Related Experiment Videos
Unclogging feeding tubes with pancreatic enzyme
1Nutrition Support Team of Pitt County Memorial Hospital, Greenville, North Carolina.
JPEN. Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition
|March 1, 1990
Summary
Activated pancreatic enzyme solution effectively clears occluded small-bore feeding tubes, particularly when formula clotting is the cause. This enzyme treatment restored patency in 96% of cases where other methods failed.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Medical Devices
- Clinical Interventions
Background:
- Small-bore feeding tubes, such as Dobbhoff (8 French), frequently occlude, impacting patient care.
- Occlusion rates of 35% were observed, necessitating effective declogging strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the causes of feeding tube occlusion.
- To evaluate the efficacy of an activated pancreatic enzyme solution for clearing obstructed feeding tubes.
Main Methods:
- A Drum cartridge catheter was used to deliver enzyme solution directly to the occlusion.
- Water was used as a control, followed by activated pancreatic enzyme injection.
- Obstruction causes were analyzed in cases of failed declogging attempts.
Main Results:
- Water cleared obstructions in 12 of 44 attempts.
- Activated pancreatic enzyme successfully cleared obstructions in 23 of 32 cases (72%).
- The enzyme solution was 96% effective for formula clot occlusions unresponsive to water or soda.
Conclusions:
- Activated pancreatic enzyme solution is a highly effective method for clearing feeding tube occlusions caused by formula clots.
- Identifying specific causes like tablet impaction or tube kinking is crucial for managing persistent occlusions.