Ch 12: Enteral Access Devices Flashcards
Factors in determining the most appropriate enteral access device
- Underlying disease
- Gastric and small bowel function
- Short- and long-term goals
- Anticipated length of therapy
- Risk factors related to the method of tube placement
- Ethical considerations
Should involve the patient and/or family in decision-making process
Main factors in determining nasal tube vs. percutaneous enterostomy:
- Estimated duration of EN therapy
- Desire for an enteral feeding trial to assess for TF tolerance before an invasive procedure
Duration for short term feeding tubes
<4-6 weeks
Duration for long term feeding tubes
> 4-6 weeks
Short term (<4-6 weeks) recommend what type of tube(s)? How are they placed?
- NG/OG tubes placed at bedside
- Placement may be done blindly, with the aid of an electromagnetic tracking device (CORPAK), endoscopically, or fluoroscopically in interventional radiology
Long term (>4-6 weeks) recommend what type of tube(s)? How are they placed?
Recommend percutaneous enterostomy tubes placed in the stomach or small bowel using endoscopic, fluoroscopic, laparoscopic, and open laparotomy techniques
What needs to be considered prior to placement of long term feeding tubes?
Must assess:
* Condition of the external abdominal wall
* Ability to correct coagulopathies
* Patient tolerance to anesthesia
What should also be evaluated (re: abdomen) prior to long term feeding tube placement?
- Previous surgical scars in the abdominal wall
- Existing surgical wounds and fistulas
- The presence of or future requirements for ostomies
- Percutaneous or intra-abdominal infusion devices
- Ascites
- PD catheters
All must be part of the decision making process
The decision to place a feeding tube is based on:
- gastric motility
- gastric aspiration risk
- alterations in GI anatomy (i.e. postsurgical)
- coexisting medical conditions
Gastric feeding
Reserved for pts with normal gastric emptying and a low risk of gastric aspiration
* Now seen as a first line approach in the ICU setting
Small bowel feeding:
Preferred for pts in the presence of gastric outlet obstruction, gastroparesis, severely increased risk of aspiration, and pancreatitis
Gastrojejunal tubes:
Allow for simultaneous gastric decompression and small bowel feedings
* May be indicated for gastric outlet obstruction, severe GERD, gastroparesis, and early post-op feeding
Why is it encouraged, whenever possible, to feed into the stomach?
- This is the most physiologically normal for the body
- Ensures adequate mixing of nutrients with gastric acid
- Allows flexibility of schedules
- Safest regarding formula contamination 2/2 to no formula hang time
- Allows for blenderized diets
- Most cost-effective
physical characteristics
Key criteria for choosing a brand of feeding tube:
patient comfort and tube performance
physical characteristics
Most NG/NI tubes are made of
Polyurethane
It allows for a relatively larger inner tube diameter for a given outer diameter size
physical characteristics
Most percutaneous tubes are made of
Silicone
Because of its material longevity and comfort
physical characteristics
Why are rubber tubes (used in foley catheters and red rubber surgical jejunostomy tubes) inferior?
Because they degrade rapidly and lack internal (red rubber) or external (Foley catheter) retaining devices
All tube sizes are based on
the external diameter measurement
Flow and susceptibility to clogging depend on
the inner diameter
What is the difference between polyurethane and silicone tubes re: diameter and clogging?
In general, polyurethane tubes with the same outer diameter as a silicone tube will have a larger internal diameter that may be less likely to clog
Stylets or guidewires are provided with nasal tubes to
provide structure as they are relatively floppy (and are removed after tube is placed)
Stylets/guidewires are designed to have _ _ _ to avoid perforation of the GI wall
a flexible distal tip
To prevent clogging in Y-configuration nasoenteric feeding tubes, medications should be
administered through the tube after feedings are held and the feeding tube is flushed with water
Difference between weighted and unweighted tube tubes
There is not a clear advantage to the use of weighted or unweighted feeding tube tips
* Weighted thought to facilitate transpyloric passage
Percutaneous enterostomy feedings tubes
Internal retention bolsters are constructed of either
solid material (silicone or polyurethane) or silicone balloons
Solid internal bolsters are more common with
initial placement because they have greater longevity
Balloon-type internal bolsters are inserted more commonly with
Radiologic and surgical tube placement
* Are used as replacement devices in the office setting because of their ease of placement
General facts:
Balloon type internal bolsters
- If placed in the small bowel, balloon is filled with 3-4 mL so it will not obstruct the lumen
- Life span of 4-6 months
- If possible, do not use balloons for direct jejunal placement to avoid occluding the narrower jejunal lumen
- If the internal bolster of a PEG tube is a balloon, an additional 3rd port is present for balloon inflation/deflation
Low profile tube are
Skin-level devices used as initial placement, or for replacement devices for G-tubes, GJ-tubes, J-tubes
Why would low profile tubes be preferred?
Excellent choice for patient concerned about cosmetic appearance of feeding tube
* May be more comfortable in active patients, use in intermittent therapy, or those who sleep prone
* Will require manual dexterity or caregiver assistance
Nasoenteric feeding tube placement is contraindicated if the pt has
- An obstructing head, neck, and esophageal pathology
- Injury that prevents safe insertion