Electromagnetic sensing technology will improve the experience of patients needing feeding tubes

Patients who need feeding tubes will now benefit from a new device designed for easier placement, using on-screen navigation guidance to make the process quicker and smoother.

The machine, a CORTRAK 2 uses an electromagnetic sensing device to ensure correct placement of the feeding tube. A signal is sent through a sensor in the tube’s tip to a monitor unit which displays a real-time image of the tube tip’s location.

By improving the placement process, the risk of complications associated with the procedure is reduced.

The benefits include no need for sedation or cannulas, less reliance on X-rays to confirm tube location, increased comfort during the procedure and a shorter procedure time which also means that a hospital stay isn’t required.

First to use the CORTRAK system was Blackpool resident Michael Lancaster, 37, a patient at Blackpool Victoria Hospital who has extensive experience of having enteral feeding tubes.

Michael said he was hugely impressed with the procedure adding:

“The main thing for me is that this benefits me and my family but that it also helps others. That will save money, time and resources. This is going to change people’s lives”.

Nutrition nurse specialist Emily Whitaker said: “This new service will improve patients’ journeys significantly by avoiding hospital admissions and will allow patients to attend, have their tube placed and be discharged the same day”.