Gravitas Feeding Tube System Placement in Neonates

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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The purpose of this study is to optimize the Gravitas Feeding Tube System Placement Algorithm for NICU patients and to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the Gravitas Feeding Tube in the neonate population for the administration of nutrition, fluids and medications.

Official Title
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Gravitas Feeding Tube System Placement in Neonates

Conditions
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Nasogastric Tube

Intervention / Treatment
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* Device: Nasogastric Tube


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Infants in the Newborn Intensive Care Unit requiring a 5Fr NG tube. The desired size of the feeding tube should be determined clinically, and the Gravitas 5Fr Feeding Tube should only be placed if that size is appropriate. Inclusion Criteria: Age at enrollment: 0 to 18 weeks post-partum. Can be up to 12 weeks preterm (gestational age ≥ 28 weeks). Suitable to start enteral feeding Anticipated to receive enteral feeding (either bolus or continuous feeds) for more than 6 hours and conclude the enteral nutrition while in the care of the NICU. If enteral nutrition has already been initiated, indicated for replacement of an orogastric/nasogastric feeding tube. Exclusion Criteria: Known major upper airway malformation (e.g. tracheoesophageal fistula) Known major GI malformation (e.g. malrotation) NPO status -neonate expected to remain NPO for the following 72 hours Has a medical condition that drastically affects gastric acid-secretion (e.g. Zollinger-Ellison Syndrome, congenital achlorhydria, gastrointestinal perforation/leak/obstruction) Has had removal of part of the stomach Critically ill, facing imminent death Neonate on ECMO Deemed unsuitable for enrollment in study by the site principal investigator based on the patients' medical history Ability to have a legally authorized representative provide informed consent Both neonates on a ventilator (non-invasive or invasive ventilation) or not requiring a ventilator are eligible for this study.

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 0 Weeks
Maximum Age: 18 Weeks

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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Accepts Healthy Volunteers

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Nasogastric tube group<br>Neonates age 0-18 weeks post-partum at enrollment with gestational age > 28 weeks will have the Gravitas Feeding Tube placed using standard technique. Tube placement will be verified by the institution standard of care. Study tubes are to remain in place up to 30 days. | Device: Nasogastric Tube<br>* Temperature and impedance data will be collected from sensors embedded within the feeding tube wall.<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Percentage of accurate verifications of anatomical locations of the tip of the Gravitas feeding tube. | Data collected during the study will be post processed to refine the Gravitas placement algorithm. The position of the feeding tube tip as processed by the Gravitas placement algorithm will be compared to institutional standard of care. | 5 months | 
| Percentage of accurate removals/dislodgements identified by the Gravitas dislodgement algorithm. | Data collected during the study will be post processed to refine the Gravitas placement algorithm. The removal/dislodgement of the feeding tube tip as processed by the Gravitas placement algorithm will be compared to actual removal/verification of dislodgement by institutional standard of care. | 5 months | 
| Adverse events (a) related to placement and (b) throughout the duration of the presence of the feeding tube within the patient. | The number and type of adverse events will be collected. | 5 months |