A New Nasal Bridle for Securing Nasoenteral Feeding Tubes

A newly designed nasal bridle and rationale for its clinical use are described. Previous nasal bridles have been shown to reduce the 40 to 60% incidence of dislodgement of nasoenteral feeding tubes. Nasal bridles, however, are still not routinely used in nasoenteral feeding of patients who dislodge their feeding tubes. Instead, percutaneous gastrostomies and parenteral nutrition are increasingly being used in these patients who may otherwise be fed adequately with a secured nasoenteral tube. The newly designed nasal bridle described herein has the advantages of easy and rapid placement. Use of this bridle can promote safer and more effective enteral feeding while avoiding the complications and cost of parenteral nutritional and gastrostomies. ( Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition 13 :331–334, 1989)