Examples of Enteral Feeding Pumps
Enteral feeding pumps are specialized devices designed for controlled delivery of nutrition, available in both static (bedside) and mobile (portable) configurations that can be placed in rucksacks and attached to wheelchairs or worn on the patient's back. 1
Types of Enteral Feeding Pumps
Static (Bedside) Pumps
- These are traditional stationary units used primarily in hospital settings or for overnight home feeding 1
- They provide accurate, controlled infusion of enteral formulas over extended periods 1
Mobile (Portable) Pumps
- Modern portable pumps can be placed in specially designed rucksacks that attach to wheelchairs or are worn on the patient's back 1
- These devices have evolved to be lighter and more intuitive in operation, allowing greater ease of administration by patients and caregivers 1
- They enable patients to remain active during the day for work, study, and social activities 1
Key Features and Safety Considerations
Dedicated Enteral Design
- Dedicated enteral pumps provide critical safety by preventing inadvertent administration of enteral products via the intravenous route 1
- This design feature is essential for preventing potentially fatal medication errors 1
Functional Capabilities
- Enteral feeding pumps can accurately infuse solutions with precise flow rate control 1
- They safely allow infusion of small volumes of solutions for variable periods of time 1
- Modern pumps allow uninterrupted sleep without the need to adjust flow rates during the night 1
Clinical Applications Requiring Pump Use
Mandatory Pump Situations
- Jejunal feeding absolutely requires pump-controlled delivery because the jejunum relies on controlled delivery of isotonic substrates 1
- High-calorie feeds should be administered preferentially using a feeding pump 1
- Patients with variable feed tolerance benefit from controlled small-volume infusion 1
Optional Pump Situations
- Gastric feeding can be delivered by pump or bolus method depending on clinical need, safety, and level of precision required 1
- Overnight continuous feeding via pump allows daytime freedom for activities 1
Common Pitfalls to Avoid
- Never use bolus feeding for jejunal tubes—this causes dumping syndrome and requires continuous pump delivery 1
- Always flush tubes with at least 30 mL of water before and after feeds (or every 4 hours during continuous feeding) to prevent pump tubing and feeding tube obstruction 1
- Ensure proper training for patients and caregivers on pump operation before hospital discharge 1