Table 2.

Three reasons why 16 Fr Salem Sump tubes are not a good choice to deliver nutrition and medications in ICUs

The cross-sectional space used to include a nonfunctional air vent requires that the tube be relatively large in outside diameter (French size) and that the infusion channel be relatively small (small bore). Large French size increases pain of insertion, and small bore infusion channels increase the likelihood of tube obstruction.3,7 Multiple distal drainage holes cause accumulation of unwashable formula within the distal end of the infusion channel. These holes make the distal end of the tube difficult or impossible to cleanse by water flushing. Our in vitro studies indicate that they promote gastric acid reflux into the tube, which increases formula clotting and obstruction, especially when the tube is exposed to acidic fluid. Multiple drainage holes at the distal end of the tube increase the total length of tube that must be inserted below the gastroesophageal junction, increasing the likelihood of serious injury, which is most likely when tubes are reinserted.11,12