What is a feeding pump?

Are you tired of always having to spoon-feed your loved one or pet? Are you looking for an efficient way to administer food and medicines without feeling like you’re playing nurse every day? Look no further because the feeding pump is here! In this article, we will delve into what feeding pumps are, how they work, and why they are essential.

Feeding Pumps 101

A feeding pump is a medical device that delivers food or medication directly into the stomach via tubes. It regulates the amount of substance being delivered by controlling the flow rate through pumping mechanisms. This equipment comes with different designs and various features depending on its intended use.

The History Of Feeding Pumps

The first-ever feeding pump was introduced in the late 19th century as part of parenteral nutrition infusion therapy (PNT). During World War II, these devices were further improved, making it possible for surgeons to perform complicated procedures that previously required hospitalization.

In modern times, there has been significant advancement leading to portable pumps designed for home-based care settings.

How Does A Feeding Pump Work?

Feeding pumps have mechanical components such as motors and sensors configured in a specific manner that enables them to function correctly. Different models may operate using a battery or power source plugged into an electrical outlet when in use.

Components Of A Feeding Pump

Typically feeding pumps consist of four essential parts:

  • Tubing
  • Enteral pump set
  • Formula bag
  • Feeding tube

Each component plays an integral role in ensuring smooth operation during a feed cycle.

Tubing And Enteral Pump Set

Most clinical-grade enteral tubing used within Ireland usually contains at least two tubes: One end connects straight onto the formula bag while another leads down & connects directly onto gastric/intestinal Access point inside patient’s tummy(PEG/NG tube). The enteral pump tube set comes with a few stopcocks, designed to prevent air flow into the stomach during feeding processes.

Important note : Having a healthcare provider double-check before modifying any feeds for your patient is crucial because severe complications may arise from feeding patients over the recommended speed limits of nutritional formulas delivered via pumps.

Formula Bag

Feeding pumps require specific bags that enable formula delivery without causing blockages. These bags usually come in different sizes and can last between 12-24 hrs depending on how much food was added in it initially.

Some advanced models now incorporate INTEGRATED Bluetooth compatibility or Wi-Fi feature enhancing control & monitoring abilities by pairing directly up with smart devices like smartphones & tablets turning them to mini handheld “Control towers.”

Feeding Tubes

These are usually PEG(Coiled flexible plastic), Gastrostomy (“button”)& NG (nasogastric ) tubes – specially made to be used as entry ports for expert insertion behind medical practitioners mentioned above.

How To Operate A Feeding Pump?

Every home-based user should have their healthcare worker guide them through each aspect of using a feeding pump for safe operation, including thorough cleaning procedures while disassembling individual components required after every use.

Basic steps involved whenever operating pumping machines include,

  1. Start by refilling the formula bag then pack it precisely onto its stand.
  2. Insert tubing only onto these designated spots (formula bag and gastric access point) once initiated.
  3. Dial in prescribed rate per hour on Machine Control panel
  4. Turn ON and start pushing button labeled START/ENT”
    5.An LED display screen will show current delivery rate per hr on machine,and an adjustable alarm function allowing you timely aware whenever infusion ends OR stops midway.

Why Use A Feeding Pump?

Up until this point, maybe we haven’t convinced you yet? Let us enlighten you more!

Benefits Of Feeding Pumps

Promotes Independence

Feeding pumps enhance an individual’s independence while providing medically appropriate nutrients needed -directly at home. Having this equipment and expertise can also contribute to decreasing nursing-home admissions or hospital visits.

Customizable Delivery of Nutrition

With feeding pumps, the user is in total control over feed times, amounts dispensed per interval, as well as flow rate infusion speed – set up settings your healthcare provider has recommended.

Adjusting the yield results in fewer stomach pains for people with sensitive digestive systems since they are getting fed frequently throughout the day. Additionally, It ensures optimal nutrient intake by following doctors’ prescriptions & advice.

Who Needs A Feeding Pump?

Feeding devices are vital tools aiding patients who suffer from various medical conditions that result in malnutrition or food insecurity. Some individuals that might benefit include:

  • Individuals with a problem swallowing
  • People living with cancer and going through chemotherapy
  • Anyone who uses tube feeding as their exclusive nourishment.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion,feeding pumps have provided viable solutions for many families coping with long-term illnesses resulting from uncontrollable eating habits such as under-eating caused by severe stress/anxiety disorders & other factors mentioned previously above.

As technology advances further so will these devices – continually improving optimization efforts aimed right back into catering needs encountered within healthcare realms when it comes to equipaments utilized daily carrying out Nutritional Care practices wherever deemed necessary: hospitals-ICU/SCU , Rehab Centres OR even hospice-based homes!

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