Critical Care Nutrition and Medical Devices
Gary’s story
“I was diagnosed with a rare, benign parapharyngeal schwannoma, a neural tumor close to my salivary glands. It was only by chance that the doctors discovered the tumor! I was told that for six weeks after the surgery I would need a nasogastric tube feeding. But my body didn’t cope with the tube and I could no longer swallow food or drinks. I felt very weak. My weight dropped from 16 stone to 11.5. Eventually had a permeant low-profile gastronomy tube fitted.
Now my weight has increased and I’m getting stronger. I’m back at work and keeping active - I even ran the London marathon last year, wearing my pump the whole way around. I am living proof that it is possible to have a relatively normal life whilst tube feeding.”
Advancements in critical care
Intensive care units (ICU) today are treating older patients with more complications than ever before. However, their chances of survival and recovery have significantly improved in the past decade due to advances in medical science and technology.
New surgical techniques and improved anesthesia, as well as improved pre and post nursing care, optimal nutrition and early mobilization, has helped to reduce the impact of ICU on patients. These advancements in healthcare enable patients to return home more quickly, spending less time in the ICU and the hospital, while at the same time reducing hospital costs1-3. Patients are now able to recover earlier enabling them to return to their normal lives more speedily.
The role of nutrition in critical care
There has been a great deal of scientific progress in the field of medical nutrition, and now there is a better understanding of optimal feeding in the critical care setting 4-9. Both clinical nutrition guidelines and ICU experts have recognized the need for a new, individualized approach to nutritional care10-14.
Protein in critical illness
Loss of muscle mass and malnutrition is common among critically ill patients15. Protein is the most important macronutrient contributing to the conservation of lean body mass, and positively impacting both mortality and mobility16,17.
Medical devices in critical care and beyond
Enteral (or ‘tube’) feeding pumps, sets and tubes are used to deliver nutrition directly into a patient's stomach. To help patients and their families follow the tube feeding advice given by their healthcare professional, a trustworthy enteral feeding pump is essential, both in the hospital and back at home.
Patients and healthcare practitioners need a device that is intuitive, accurate and that will not hinder movement.
Nutricia's Flocare range of innovative medical devices, accessories and supporting tools have been developed to simplify tube feeding for patients and their families, because Nutricia strongly believes that a feeding routine should fit comfortably into a patient's daily routine.
Flocare Infinity pumps are renowned for their reliability, safety and ease-of-use. The cartridge style giving set makes it easy to set up a feed. The clear step-by-step interface makes programming the feed straightforward. Troubleshooting is made easier by the clear audio and visual alarm messages. In addition, the robust design means that the pumps are washable under running water and usable in any orientation.
Nutricia’s role in enteral nutrition and medical devices
Nutricia understands the importance of optimal nutritional support and we continue to develop our science and technology - offering innovative feeding solutions designed for the ICU and surgical environments. We support healthcare professionals by offering a comprehensive range of tube feeds, complimented with medical devices, accessories and services to help provide the best care to their patients.
