New options for pumps and tubes: progress in enteral feeding techniques and devices

In the past, blenderized tube feeds prepared in the hospital kitchen were delivered by bolus or gravity at intervals of 4-6 h. These methods lack consistent steady flow and many times are not a safe mode of delivery for those at risk of vomiting and aspiration, and cause more patient discomfort than nutritional benefit. More recently, enteral feeding administration techniques and devices have been developed for the delivery of commercially prepared enteral formulas designed for specific disease states. These technological advances have improved enteral feeding practices.