What is enteral access?

Abstract. Enteral access feeding devices are placed in patients who have a functional and accessible gastrointestinal (GI) tract but are not able to consume or absorb enough nutrients to sustain adequate nutrition and hydration.

What are some methods of enteral feeding?

There are several methods of enteral nutrition (EN) administration, including continuous, cyclic, intermittent, and bolus techniques, which can be used either alone or in combination.

What are enteral services?

Enteral nutrition, also known as tube feeding, is a way of delivering nutrition directly to your stomach or small intestine. Your doctor might recommend tube feeding if you can’t eat enough to get the nutrients you need. When tube feeding occurs outside the hospital, doctors refer to it as home enteral nutrition (HEN).

What are the basic enteral formula types?

Four major types of enteral nutrition formulas exist includ- ing: elemental and semi-elemental, standard or polymeric, disease-specific and immune-enhancing.

Where are enteral access devices placed in the body?

Enteral access devices are feeding tubes placed directly into the GI tract to deliver nutrients as well as additional fluids and often is a method for delivering medications (Figure 1). Nasal or oral tubes may be placed at the bedside, with endoscopy, or surgically.

Why are enteral access devices used in ACG patients?

As previously mentioned, it is the preferred method of feeding when patients are unable to eat enough calories on their own. Enteral access devices are feeding tubes placed directly into the GI tract to deliver nutrients as well as additional fluids and often is a method for delivering medications (Figure 1).

How often should you use enteral access feeding?

The table below shows options for enteral access feeding (Table 1). Short-term enteral nutrition is usually defined as use less than 4 weeks; long-term enteral nutrition is defined as use for more than 4 weeks.

Where does enteral tube feeding take place in the body?

Enteral tube feeding is the administration of feed and/or fluid via a tube going into the gastrointestinal tract (parenteral nutrition uses the venous route). This feeding tube can also be used: