Pulmonary aspiration in tube-fed patients with artificial airways.

Abstract

Based on the results of this study, it appears that critically ill patients may receive nutritional supplements through the use of a small-gauge, flexible enteral feeding tube without significant danger of pulmonary aspiration. However, the potential for aspiration of tube feedings in any critically ill patient still exists, and further research in this area would contribute to a decrease in morbidity and mortality rates.