Comparing Two Methods to Measure Nasogastric Tube Length

Launched by NATIONAL CHENG-KUNG UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL · May 13, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying two different methods to place a nasogastric tube (NGT) in adults who need one for medical reasons. The main goal is to see if a new system called the NCKU-NG can help doctors place the tube more accurately in the stomach compared to the traditional method, which relies on a standard measurement technique. Researchers want to find out if using the NCKU-NG system reduces the chances of the tube being placed incorrectly, the number of attempts needed to place it, and any complications that might arise from the procedure.

To participate in this trial, you need to be at least 18 years old and currently hospitalized with a medical need for an NGT. However, certain conditions, such as having a chest wound, certain types of tumors, or being critically ill, may prevent you from taking part. If you join the study, you will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: one that uses the new NCKU-NG system or another that uses the traditional method. Both groups will have their tube placement confirmed with an X-ray within 8 hours after insertion. The results will help determine if the new system is a better option for placing NGTs safely and effectively.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Adults (aged ≥18 years)
• • Patients requiring nasogastric tube placement
• • Patients who are hospitalized
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Patients with a chest wound that prevents palpation of the xiphoid process
• • Patients who have had a gastrectomy
• • Patients with a gastric tumor
• • Patients with a head and neck tumor
• • Patients who are agitated and difficult to place the nasogastric tube
• • Patients with abnormal esophageal structure
• • Patients with a basilar skull fracture
• • Patients with acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding
• • Patients with an expected lifespan of less than 48 hours
• • Patients who cannot undergo an X-ray confirmation (e.g., pregnant women)
• • Patients with unstable blood pressure (mean arterial pressure \< 65 mmHg)
• • Patients with ischemic, perforated, or obstructed bowel
• • Patients with high-output fistula/ostomy
• • Patients using photosensitive drugs
• • Critically ill patients
• • Patients with acute needs as determined by the attending physician
• • Patients with a Glasgow Coma Scale score \< 8