Support

No, each Clearing Stem is indicated for a specific diameter (French Size), length and tube type. There are Clearing Stem models available for NE, NG, G, PEG, J, G-Get®, MIC®, and MIC-KEY® enteral access devices (e.g., feeding tubes). Click here to see all Clearing Stem models.

Yes, each Box of GJ-1422 Clearing Stems comes with a Box of 10 Coconut Oil Packets.

No, if Coconut Oil is expired but GJ-1422 Clearing Stem has not, please contact customer service to purchase a Box of 10 Coconut Oil packets.

Three main differences are present: 1) GJ-1422 is supplied with Coconut Oil for lubrication during the clearing procedure. Coconut Oil lubrication is key to success in GJ tubes. Reapply prior to each Clearing Stem insertion. 2) When using GJ-1422 to clear a GJ tube, it’s important that your backward and forward motion is shorter – about 2 cm (1 in) from the tube’s port – to prevent kinking the Clearing Stem. 3) Given the complex nature of GJ tubes, it can take longer for GJ-1422 to work compared to other tubes – sometimes up to an hour. Don’t give up!

Absolutely! We recommend using the TubeClear System at least weekly or every 5 days to remove any material buildup along the inside walls of the feeding tube.

Yes, the Control Box can be placed on any level surface (e.g., table) or clamped to an IV pole and plugged into a wall outlet.

It operates at bedside; therefore, can be used in many patient settings (e.g., hospital, long-term care, and home).

Remove the Clearing Stem from the feeding tube. With the Control Box still running check to see if the tip of the Clearing Stem is still moving backward and forward (displacing). If it is still displacing then continue with the clearing procedure. If the tip has stopped displacing discard the Clearing Stem and continue the procedure with a new Clearing Stem.

Do NOT continue the procedure with the current Clearing Stem as it may have become contaminated. Discard the Clearing Stem that touched the floor and continue the procedure with a new Clearing Stem.

Place the Magnet Cover back into the packaging because you will need to put it on the magnet before discarding the Clearing Stem. This prevents the magnet from sticking to metal objects (e.g., waste container) upon disposal. The Tip Protector can be discarded immediately after use.

Sometimes the Clearing Stem can tunnel a hole through the material clogging the tube. After flushing with water, the remaining clog materials may re-clog the tube. This occurs most often with softer materials (e.g., feeding formula) or larger diameter tubes. If the tube does not flush, repeat the TubeClear procedure until the tube is easily flushed.

Patience is key when dealing with these situations. The TubeClear System will still be able to clear the tube, but it may require a few Clearing Stem insertions to remove all the materials built up on the walls of the tube. 

Check out the instructional video for more information.

Water helps to break up the contents of the clog. If water is inserted into a clogged tube without the use of the TubeClear System, water may only reach the top of the clog material. But the TubeClear System’s ability to penetrate the clog allows water to reach deeper into the clog, increasing its effectiveness.

All TubeClear Clearing Stem models are indicated for single use only, meaning that each Clearing Stem should be used for a single patient, and for only one clearing event, and then must be discared. Therefore, it is contraindicated for multiple uses in one patient’s tube. During the clearing procedure, clog materials often begin to collect between the Sheath and Wire. Over time these materials can harden and stop the motion of the wire inside the sheath making it a stuff wire. Do not use the TubeClear System if the Wire is not moving backward and forward. Also over time the food-based materials that have collected between the Sheath and Wire may spoil.  

Initially insert water and aspirate via a syringe. Then use the Clearing Stem as per the Operator’s Manual. After a short time, remove the Clearing Stem and try to aspirate the loosened materials. Then add water and try to flush and aspirate again. If the syringe meets resistance, hold that pressure for 10-15 seconds, then remove the syringe and reinsert the Clearing Stem. Repeat until the tube flushes with little force from the syringe. *For the GJ-1422 Clearing Stem, before reinsertion coat the Clearing Stem with Coconut Oil.

The TubeClear System clears most medication, feeding formula, and ground food clogs.

When medication is left in the tube for a long time or it chemically reacts with the feeding formula, often the clog materials harden and it is difficult for the Clearing Stem to break up the clog. In these cases use lots of water and remove the Clearing Stem often and aspirate/flush with the syringe then reinsert the Clearing Stem and follow the Operator’s Manual.

It is recommended to use the Clearing Stem when the EAD is sluggish or as soon as the feeding pump alarms. This will enable the Clearing Stem and water to work on the clog more quickly before it fully hardens.

Each Clearing Stem is indicated for specific  feeding tubes. There are Clearing Stem models available for NE, NG, G, PEG, and J, G-Jet®, MIC®, and MIC-KEY® feeding tubes.

• For GJ-1422 Clearing Stem Model see Indications for Use, Operator’s Manual, page 1.
• For TC Clearing Stem Models see Indications for Use, Operator’s Manual, page 14.
• For NE or G Clearing Stem Models see Indications for Use, Operator’s Manual, page 28.

Click here to see all Clearing Stem models.

Yes! Please see the Operator’s Manual for full indications.

Yes!

Please note that the TubeClear System is indicated for use by Certified and Licensed Healthcare Practitioners.

Please contact us to be connected with a team member for the most accurate pricing. If you are a Vizient GPO member facility, you can find the TubeClear System on the Innovative Contract #MS7210. If you are a Premier GPO member facility, you can find the TubeClear System on the Breakthrough Contract #PP-DI-1657.