When it comes to enteral feeding, pressure infusor bags have been a tool of choice in many healthcare settings. As a supplier of pressure infusor bags, I've seen firsthand the benefits they offer, such as facilitating a more rapid delivery of enteral nutrition. However, it's crucial to also understand their limitations. In this blog post, I'll delve into the various drawbacks associated with using a pressure infusor bag for enteral feeding.
1. Risk of Over - Feeding
One of the most significant limitations of using a pressure infusor bag for enteral feeding is the risk of over - feeding. Pressure infusor bags can deliver enteral formula at a relatively high rate. Unlike gravity - based feeding systems, which rely on the natural force of gravity to regulate the flow of the feeding solution, pressure infusor bags use external pressure to push the formula into the patient's gastrointestinal tract.
This can lead to a situation where the patient receives more formula than their digestive system can handle. Over - feeding can cause a range of problems, including abdominal distension, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These symptoms not only cause discomfort to the patient but can also lead to more serious complications such as aspiration pneumonia if the patient vomits and inhales the formula into their lungs.
Moreover, the high - pressure delivery may not allow the patient's body to adjust to the intake of the formula gradually. The digestive system needs time to secrete the appropriate enzymes and hormones to break down and absorb the nutrients. When the formula is delivered too quickly, the body may not be able to keep up, resulting in poor nutrient absorption.
2. Inadequate Temperature Control
Another limitation of pressure infusor bags for enteral feeding is the lack of proper temperature control. Enteral formula should ideally be administered at a temperature close to the body's normal temperature (around 37°C) to prevent discomfort and digestive problems. However, pressure infusor bags do not typically have built - in temperature regulation mechanisms.
When the formula is stored at room temperature or in a cold environment and then delivered through a pressure infusor bag, it may enter the patient's gastrointestinal tract at a lower temperature. Cold formula can cause gastric spasms, which can lead to abdominal pain and discomfort. It can also slow down the digestive process, as the body needs to expend extra energy to warm up the formula before digestion can occur.
3. Increased Risk of Contamination
Pressure infusor bags present an increased risk of contamination compared to some other enteral feeding systems. The bag itself, along with the tubing and connectors, can become a breeding ground for bacteria if not properly maintained. The high - pressure environment within the bag can also cause the formula to splash and come into contact with the inner surfaces of the bag and tubing, increasing the risk of contamination.
Moreover, the process of refilling the pressure infusor bag can introduce contaminants. If the formula is not handled aseptically during the refilling process, bacteria can enter the bag and contaminate the entire batch of formula. Once the formula is contaminated, it can lead to infections in the patient's gastrointestinal tract, which can be particularly dangerous for patients with weakened immune systems.
4. Limited Compatibility with Some Enteral Feeding Tubes
Not all enteral feeding tubes are compatible with pressure infusor bags. Some types of tubes, such as small - bore nasogastric tubes, may not be able to withstand the high pressure generated by the pressure infusor bag. The high pressure can cause the tube to kink or rupture, which can disrupt the feeding process and may even require the replacement of the tube.
In addition, the connectors on the pressure infusor bag may not fit properly with all types of enteral feeding tubes. This can lead to leakage of the formula, which not only wastes the formula but can also cause skin irritation around the insertion site of the tube.
5. Lack of Precise Flow Rate Control
While pressure infusor bags can provide a relatively fast flow of enteral formula, they often lack precise flow rate control. The flow rate is typically adjusted by changing the pressure applied to the bag, which can be a somewhat imprecise method. Small changes in pressure can result in significant changes in the flow rate, making it difficult to achieve a consistent and accurate feeding rate.
In contrast, some advanced enteral feeding pumps can offer very precise flow rate control, allowing healthcare providers to set the exact rate at which the formula should be delivered. This level of precision is important, especially for patients who require a specific amount of formula per hour or who have specific dietary requirements.
6. Cost and Maintenance
Pressure infusor bags can be relatively expensive, both in terms of the initial purchase cost and the ongoing maintenance cost. The bags themselves need to be replaced regularly to ensure proper functioning and to prevent contamination. Additionally, the pressure - generating devices, such as pumps or hand - held inflators, also require maintenance and may need to be replaced over time.
The cost of disposing of the used pressure infusor bags and related equipment also adds to the overall expense. For healthcare facilities with limited budgets, the cost of using pressure infusor bags for enteral feeding can be a significant burden.
Our Product Offerings
Despite these limitations, pressure infusor bags still have their place in enteral feeding, especially in situations where a relatively fast delivery of formula is required. At our company, we offer a range of high - quality pressure infusor bags that are designed to minimize some of these limitations.
We have the Pressure Infusion Bag With Pressure Gauge 500ml, which comes with a pressure gauge to help healthcare providers monitor and control the pressure more accurately. This can help reduce the risk of over - feeding by allowing for better regulation of the flow rate.
Our Reusable Nylon Infusion Pressure Bag 500ml 1000ml For Blood And Fluid Quick Infusion is made of high - quality nylon material, which is durable and easy to clean. This can help reduce the risk of contamination and also lower the overall cost as the bag can be reused multiple times.
We also offer the 1000ml Reusable Nylon Pressure Infusion Bag With Pressure Gauge,White.for Blood And Fluid Quick Infusion. This larger - capacity bag is suitable for patients who require a larger volume of enteral formula. The pressure gauge ensures that the flow rate can be controlled effectively.
Conclusion
In conclusion, while pressure infusor bags can be a useful tool for enteral feeding, they come with several limitations. Healthcare providers need to be aware of these limitations and use pressure infusor bags judiciously. When considering using pressure infusor bags for enteral feeding, factors such as the patient's condition, the type of enteral feeding tube, and the need for precise flow rate control should all be taken into account.
If you are interested in learning more about our pressure infusor bags or would like to discuss potential procurement opportunities, please feel free to reach out to us. We are committed to providing high - quality products and excellent customer service to meet your enteral feeding needs.
References
- Metheny, N. A. (2012). Enteral tube feeding: A guide for nurses. Jones & Bartlett Learning.
- McClave, S. A., et al. (2016). Guidelines for the provision and assessment of nutrition support therapy in the adult critically ill patient: Society of Critical Care Medicine (SCCM) and American Society for Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition (A.S.P.E.N.). Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition, 40(2), 159 - 211.
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). (2019). Enteral feeding in adults: Nasogastric, gastrostomy and jejunostomy tubes. NICE guideline [NG134].