Gastric Ultrasound Feeding Tube Placement Confirmation Study

What this Trial Is About

Researchers are evaluating the accuracy and reliability of ultrasound Doppler for confirming the correct placement of gastric feeding tubes (GFTs) in intensive care unit (ICU) patients. The study compares ultrasound results to the standard method of chest X-ray (CXR) to see if ultrasound can safely and effectively determine GFT positioning. This research focuses on ICU patients who are intubated and require GFT placement or replacement. Patients will receive a gastric feeding tube, and ultrasound imaging will be performed at both the mid-esophagus and stomach levels using a handheld device. During ultrasound, 20 mL of air will be insufflated through the GFT or a suction catheter in the trachea to look for a specific "mosaic sign" that indicates correct placement in the stomach. These ultrasound images will be anonymized and reviewed by an expert intensivist, then compared to chest X-ray findings. Participants will undergo ultrasound and chest X-ray assessments after GFT placement or replacement. Data collected includes ultrasound images, patient details, ventilator settings, and chest X-ray results. Researchers will monitor safety by recording any adverse events. The main goal is to test how well ultrasound detects proper GFT position. The study is expected to last until August 2025, with ongoing data collection and monitoring during this time.

Gastric Ultrasound Feeding Tube Placement Confirmation Study