The use of the Cortrak Enteral Access System™ for post-pyloric (PP) feeding tube placement in a Burns Intensive Care Unit

• Published in: Burns Vol. 37; no. 2; pp. 277 - 280
• Main Authors: Hemington-Gorse, S.J, Sheppard, N.N, Martin, R, Shelley, O, Philp, B, Dziewulski, P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Ltd 01.03.2011
• Subjects: Burns - economics; Burns - therapy; Cortrak System; Critical Care; Energy Intake; Enteral Nutrition - economics; Enteral Nutrition - instrumentation; Humans; Nutrition; Post-pyloric feeding; Cortrak System; Nutrition; Post-pyloric feeding
• ISSN: 0305-4179; 1879-1409
• DOI: 10.1016/j.burns.2010.07.011

Abstract Introduction 50% of critically ill patients fail to reach caloric targets with NG feeding. PP feeding may enhance caloric intake. PP feeding can be continued throughout theatre in patients with a secure airway. Blind PP tube placement is difficult. CEAS has been developed to assist tube placement and eliminate check X-rays of tube position. Method All BITU patients with CEAS PP feeding tube placement were identified. Notes and X-rays were reviewed. Tube position, calorie deficit and time off feed were recorded. Results 44 tubes were placed in 21 patients using CEAS. 84% were PP, 16% NG. Position correlated to X-ray findings in 86%. In 16% position was NG on CEAS but was PP on X-ray. 10 patients required both CXR and AXR to confirm position, the remainder required CXR only. Time off feed varied from 0–24 h (mean 7.4 h). Calorie deficit ranged from 0–2465 kCal (mean 858 kCal). Average wait for X-ray was 3.4 h. If X-ray wait was eliminated calorie deficit would be reduced by 45% to 393 kCal. Conclusion The Cortrak system is safe and effective on BITU. It reduces calorie deficit, reduces X-ray exposure and is cost effective. We recommend its use on BITU.