TubeClear System More Effective at Clearing Clogged Feeding Tubes
In a recent study published in Nutrition in Clinical Practice by Christopher M. Garrison, Ph.D., RN, CNE, the TubeClear system was found to be significantly more effective at removing clogs from feeding tubes than water or enzyme-based clog-clearing treatments.[1] While water flushes and Clog Zapper seemed to work sometimes, the TubeClear system worked nearly every time regardless of clog type (see Figure 1). In addition, the TubeClear system required less Active Nursing Time and Total Nursing Time than the water or Clog Zapper.
Based on this study, clinicians may save time by clearing clogs with the TubeClear system first.
Figure 1: The TubeClear System restored patency to feeding tubes 93% of the time during the study, compared to 33% and 20% for Clog Zapper and water treatments, respectively.
References:
- Garrison, C. M. Enteral Feeding Tube Clogging: What Are the Causes and What Are the Answers? A Bench Top Analysis. Nutrition in Clinical Practice. 2018. 33(1):147-150.