Usefulness of an antireflux valve in the intensive care unit.
The Keith Antireflux Valve (ARV) is a one-way valve placed on the sump port of a double-lumen NG tube. ARV use in critically injured patients significantly prevents reflux through the sump port and decreases the incidence of both patient gown and linen change and NG tube repositioning. There is no evidence to indicate that the ARV may lead to malfunction of the NG tube, aspiration, or gastric dilation. The cost savings in materials and nursing time are significant.
Department of Surgery, St. Louis University Medical Center, MO 63110-0250.
M J
MJ
Shapiro
C B
CB
Minor
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M
Keegan
D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D007441:Intubation, Gastrointestinal / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics / Q000295:instrumentation*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic