A new feeding tube which is secure and easy to change

Pang AS
Correspondence: Dr Pang Ah-San, pangahsan@gmail.com

ABSTRACT
Loss of a normal swallowing reflex as in dysphagic stroke is the commonest indication for long-term tube feeding. For this, either the nasogastric tube or the percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy tube is used, with the former being uncomfortable. The latter tube is neither secure nor easy to change. A new feeding tube invented in Singapore uses a loop and lock configuration to make it comfortable for the patient, impossible to pull out accidentally, and easy to change. This third-generation feeding tube has the potential to be the new global standard.

Keywords: aspiration, enteral nutrition, feeding tube, gastrostomy, pneumonia, stroke
Singapore Med J 2009; 50(7): 740-742