Wellington will soon become the second of only two regions in New Zealand with access to equipment that improves the placement and stability of feeding tubes.

Currently only used at Auckland DHB, the CORTRAK 2 Enteral Access System uses an electromagnetic sensor to guide the placement of nasoenteral feeding tubes through the nose into the small intestine.

Capital & Coast DHB has approved funding for the CORTRAK after nurse educator Caroline Woon led a four-month trial.

“Feeding tubes must be placed correctly to avoid complications and ensure patients receive nutritional support and medication, and feeding cannot begin until the tube is placed correctly,” Caroline said.

“Without the CORTRAK, we rely on x-rays to confirm the tube’s position. If it’s incorrect, we must replace it and carry out a confirmation x-ray – this can mean multiple x-rays.”

During the trial, 10 ‘super users’ used the CORTRAK to place tubes in more than 30 patients. The trial found that using CORTRAK means most patients may not need confirmation x-rays at all – and could save up to $100,000 in x-ray costs over three years.

The CORTRAK’s special ‘corgrip’ retention system also prevents feeding tubes becoming dislodged – a common risk – thereby preventing the need for replacement procedures and more x-rays. It also reduces the need for staff to constantly monitor patients who may try to pull the tubes out themselves.

“These are significant advantages when caring for patients who need nasogastric feeding. The CORTRAK has the very real potential to improve the safety, quality and cost of care for patients who need requiring nasogastric feeding.”

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