The CORTRAK system uses computer technology to guide clinicians in the placement of nasoenteric feeding tubes into the alimentary tract. The device aids feeding tube placement by showing the relative location of the feeding tube tip during placement.
The tip of the feeding tube stylet is an electromagnetic transmitter. A receiver unit is placed at the patient's xiphoid process and acquires the signal from the stylet as it moves through the patient during the placement procedure. The track of the tube is shown on the computer monitor.
CORTRAK is safer!
Clinicians can respond immediately to placements that do not follow the expected path. CORTRAK helps avoid lung placements and pneumothorax and reduces patient exposure to x-ray.
CORTRAK is more accurate!
For bedside placement, CORTRAK helps the clinician through the placement process by indicating the relative path of the tube as it is placed. There is no better method to assist placement into the small bowel at the bedside.
CORTRAK is less expensive!
By indicating the path of the feeding tube during placements, CORTRAK significantly reduces the need for multiple X-rays, fluoroscopy and even the use of TPN as successful gastric or small bowel placements are more likely.
In a typical hospital that places 1,500 feeding tubes per year, expected savings can be as much as $25,000.
CORTRAK is faster!
The CORTRAK display allows you to see the relative position of the tube tip during the placement procedure saving significant time. During clinical trials, small bowel placements averaged 10.5 minutes per procedure excluding outliers.
Highlights from CORTRAK Trials
"The CORTRAK device had a 100% success rate for avoiding permanent lung placement of the feeding tube." Michael Ackerman, DNS, Clinical Investigator.
"Only one x-ray was taken to confirm each placement. Use of this non-invasive device improved the accuracy, efficiency and cost-effectiveness of bedside placement of small-bore feeding tubes." Gail Priestley, RN, University of Arizona Medical Center
"For difficult tube placements, the device was particularly helpful in providing immediate feedback of tip location and the successful advancement with positioning and restart maneuvers." Gail Priestley, RN, University of Arizona Medical Center.
A new paradigm in feeding tube placement!
While sound clinical judgment is always required, the CORTRAK device provides a revolutionary way to place enteral feeding tubes safely and quickly. The CORTRAK system virtually eliminates the need for multiple X-rays during the placement process. Use of fluoroscopy, endoscopy and lengthy procedures should be substantially reduced or eliminated. The most significant benefits are considerable increase in patient safety and comfort and a substantial reduction in the overall costs of the procedure.