ABSTRACT
The usefulness of enteral feeding for critically ill patients has been well documented [1-7]. Although there is debate over the type and amount of enteral feeding that is most beneficial, there is consensus that critically ill patients with a functioning gastrointestinal tract should be fed enterally if specialized nutritional support is thought to be warranted [2,8]. There is considerable debate, however, with regard to the techniques that should be used for enteral feeding in the critically ill patient and, specifically, what enteral access device is most appropriate for this patient. In order to answer these questions, a clear understanding of the enteral access devices presently available is needed. The selection of a specific device will be based, in part, on whether the patient will be fed into the
In this overview, we will first discuss the general characteristics of feeding devices and the methods of using them and then review the specific issues related to feeding device selection, based on duration of use and where the patient will be fed.
