A new feeding system to improve nutrition delivery for older patients in the ICU

A novel enteral feeding system for the earlier and safer delivery of enteral nutrition through continuous monitoring of tip location

NIH-funded research Theranova, LLC · NIH-11166428

This study is testing a new feeding system that helps make sure older patients in intensive care get their nutrition safely and accurately, so they can recover better without needing extra x-rays to check the feeding tube placement.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionTheranova, LLC NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (San Francisco, United States)
Project IDNIH-11166428 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing an innovative enteral feeding system designed to enhance the delivery of nutrition to patients, particularly those aged 65 and older, in intensive care units. The approach involves continuous monitoring of the feeding tube's tip location to ensure it is correctly placed, reducing the risk of complications associated with misplacement. By minimizing the need for x-ray verification and improving the accuracy of tube placement, this system aims to facilitate earlier and safer enteral nutrition for critically ill patients. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of this system in improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare costs.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients aged 65 and older who require enteral nutrition while being treated in an intensive care unit.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 65 years or those who do not require enteral nutrition may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more efficient nutritional support for older patients in critical care, potentially reducing complications and improving recovery times.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in improving feeding tube placement techniques, but this specific approach utilizing continuous monitoring is novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

San Francisco, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.