Description

The DOBBHOFF nasogastric feeding tube is an essential medical device designed to provide nutrition, fluids, and medication to patients who are unable to meet their nutritional needs orally. Its small-bore, flexible, single-lumen design significantly enhances patient comfort compared to standard nasogastric tubes, making it a preferred choice in clinical settings.

Key Features

• Weighted Tip: The tube features a weighted tip that aids in its passage past the pylorus using gravity and peristalsis. This design reduces the risk of aspiration, ensuring safer feeding and medication administration.

• Guide Wire Assisted Insertion: Equipped with a guide wire (stylet) for assisted insertion, the tube's placement is confirmed before the stylet is removed, enhancing accuracy and safety.

• Radiopaque Material: Constructed from radiopaque material, the tube allows for visualization during placement confirmation, typically via X-ray, ensuring correct positioning.

• Hydrophilic Coating: The hydrophilic coating facilitates smoother insertion and removal of the stylet, minimizing discomfort.

• External Centimeter Markings: These markings assist healthcare providers in measuring the inserted length of the tube accurately.

• Safe Enteral Connection: The tube's connection design is incompatible with Luer-lock or I.V. connectors, reducing the risk of accidental misconnections.

Versatile Design

The DOBBHOFF tube is available with or without a flow-through stylet and includes an external proximal access port for connection to enteral feeding sets and oral tip enteral syringes. An optional dual port design allows for simultaneous gastric drainage, adding to its versatility.

Intended Use

Ideal for patients with an intact gastrointestinal tract who cannot manage nutritional intake through normal means, the tube is commonly used in critically ill patients requiring early enteral feeding or medication delivery into the small intestine. It is inserted through the nasal passage and esophagus into the stomach or small intestine, with placement confirmation methods including X-ray, endoscopic, fluoroscopic, or preoperative techniques.

Construction and Standards

Made from polyurethane, the tube typically measures 8 to 12 French in size and approximately 43 inches in length. It is regulated under 21 CFR 876.5980 as a Class II gastrointestinal tube and meets biocompatibility and performance standards according to EN1615:2000 and ISO 10993-1:2009.

Maintenance

Regular checks of the tube's position are recommended to ensure correct placement, contributing to its effective and safe use in medical care.

Manufactured by Cardinal Health, the DOBBHOFF tube stands as a reliable solution for healthcare providers, aligning with essential medical device standards to support patient care effectively.