Memorial Health Joins National Clinical Trial Testing Advanced Feeding Tube System for Premature Infants
Key Insights
Memorial Health (search) becomes one of only three to four hospitals nationwide participating in a clinical trial evaluating the second-generation Entarik feeding tube system (search) for premature infants (search).
The FDA-cleared device features built-in sensors for precise stomach placement and continuous position monitoring, reducing injury risks and eliminating the need for frequent X-rays.
Early results show positive outcomes in multiple babies, with one mother reporting "almost instant improvement" in her twins' feeding compared to traditional methods.
Memorial Health (search)'s Dwaine and Cynthia Willet Children's Hospital (search) has joined an exclusive national clinical trial testing a revolutionary feeding tube system designed to improve care for premature infants (search). The hospital is one of only three to four institutions nationwide participating in the study of the second-generation Entarik feeding tube system (search).
Advanced Technology Enhances Safety
The Entarik feeding tube system (search) represents a significant advancement over traditional feeding methods used in neonatal intensive care units. Unlike conventional feeding tubes, this FDA-cleared device incorporates built-in sensors that guide placement directly into the stomach, helping reduce the risk of accidental injury during insertion—a persistent challenge in neonatal care.
The system continuously monitors the tube's position and instantly alerts medical staff if it shifts or becomes dislodged. Additionally, it tracks key digestive activity, providing real-time data that enables NICU teams to better manage feeding schedules and respond quickly to complications.
"To be involved in research like this, to bring that locally here, it adds safety to the babies, it reduces the amount of x-rays that we have to do, and hopefully it's going to help us shorten our length of stay," said Dr. Brad Buckler, neonatal medical director overseeing the clinical trial.
Early Results Show Promise
The NICU's medical director reports they have already been seeing positive results in multiple babies participating in the trial. Dr. Buckler described the feeding tube technology as "like night and day for patient safety" and anticipates potential future applications for adults and home use.
Shana Brinson, whose twins are currently in the NICU and participating in the trial, experienced the benefits firsthand. "I mean, it was almost like an instant improvement really for them," Brinson said. Having previously had an older son in the NICU years ago, she noted a remarkable difference in her twins' progression with eating habits compared to traditional methods.
"So yeah, I'm glad that they have something like this now. And I really see where it can be beneficial to a lot of babies and a lot of mamas, because it's terrible watching your baby spit up their food and there's nothing you can do," Brinson explained.
National Impact and Recognition
Memorial Health (search)'s participation in this trial builds on its reputation as a leader in advanced neonatal services. The hospital holds the distinction of being designated as a Level IV perinatal center by the American Academy of Pediatrics—the highest level of care available.
"We are the first regional perinatal birthing center to be designated with Level IV status," Dr. Buckler previously explained. "It means we can care for moms and their babies—from as early as 22 weeks gestation through full term—in any situation requiring neonatal intensive care."
The data collected during this trial could significantly improve feeding management for premature infants (search) nationwide. Hospital leaders believe this innovation represents a major advancement in neonatal care that extends beyond local impact to influence national standards of care.
"This is not just a little southeast part of Georgia, we're really working on a national level to talk about the care that we're providing to infants," Buckler emphasized.