Comparison of Gravity Flow Rates Between ENFit and Legacy Feeding Tubes

Abstract

Overall, for the low-profile, 18F, and 20F sizes, the ENFit tubes had similar flow rates when compared with the legacy tubes. For the 14F and 24F sizes, the flow rate of ENFit tubes was significantly lower, which could result in longer EN delivery for patients who are using these tubes to provide gravity feeding.

In Vitro Performance Testing of Legacy and ENFit Gastrostomy Tube Devices Under Gravity Flow Conditions

“…Our interlab comparison with the Mayo Clinic revealed several trends that were similar across both studies. First, the flow rates for water and Isosource 1.5 were similar across multiple brands.…”

“…Limited studies on flow rates through enteral tubes with clinically relevant diets have been performed to date, with contrasting findings . Because of the concerns raised by patients, the increasing prevalence of home‐prepared blenderized diets, and the lack of rigorous scientific data on the flow rate through legacy and enteral connectors, a study was initiated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Mayo Clinic to evaluate the performance of legacy and ENFit‐based gastrostomy tubes (G‐tubes).…”

“…Limited studies on flow rates through enteral tubes with clinically relevant diets have been performed to date, with contrasting findings. 5,[8][9][10] Because of the concerns raised by patients, the increasing prevalence of home-prepared blenderized diets, and the lack of rigorous scientific data on the flow rate through legacy and enteral connectors, a study was initiated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and Mayo Clinic to evaluate the performance of legacy and ENFit-based gastrostomy tubes (G-tubes). The study described in this article had the 2 following major objectives: evaluate if gravity-driven flow through devices with ENFit connectors is the same as legacy devices and identify mechanisms contributing to any differences.…”

Comparison of Syringe Compression Force Between ENFit and Legacy Feeding Tubes

“…In an effort to decrease complications associated with misconnections, the HEN community is in the process of transitioning to ENFit (ISO 80369‐3). Our group, in collaboration with the FDA, has previously assessed the impact of this transition in patients providing EN through gravity flow . Those studies revealed that the majority of our HEN patients who use commercial formula utilizing gravity feeding may note that the overall time that it takes to infuse daily nutrition will be increased with ENFit vs legacy tubes.…”

“…Primary aim of the study was to assess whether transition of ENFit tubes resulted in increased force required to provide syringe feedings with formulas of varying viscosity including BTF. Based on flow dynamic physiology, as well as data from our previous trials assessing flow rate and force measurements of ENFit vs legacy tubes, we hypothesized that force would be higher in the 14 French (Fr) and 24Fr sizes with ENFit tubes . The null hypothesis was that there would be no difference between the legacy and ENFit tubes.…”