An evaluation of the Cortrak Enteral access system in our intensive care

Appropriate nutrition is considered a cornerstone of Intensive care; however its successful initiation is frequently impeded by decreased gastric emptying secondary to opiates, sepsis, or ileus. The presence of a postpyloric tube will guarantee delivery of calories while reducing the incidence of reflux and aspiration. Enteral nutrition is approximately 100 fold cheaper than parenteral nutrition. A nasojejunal tube may be placed blindly (success 15%), by direct vision with a gastroscope, or under fluoroscopic guidance in the X-ray department. This study examines the use of the Cortrak Enteral access system (CEAS) in placement of nasojejunal tubes, a method facilitated by the use of an electromagnet. A retrospective review was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the CEAS for establishing nasojejunal feeding in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) between January and December 2010. Our results found that the CEAS was successful in positioning a nasojejunal tube in ten out of twelve patients (83% success rate). Successful placement was confirmed by portable abdominal / chest x-ray. Placement took an average of 30 minutes, and prokinetic agents were used to facilitate two placements. The duration of successful enteral nutrition varied from 2 to 15 days post placement. The CEAS is a simple bedside tool for placing postpyloric tubes. While there is a learning curve associated with its use, it may confer significant benefits to individual patients and also to those responsible for ever shrinking budgets.