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ENFit – Transitioning to Safer Enteral Connections

An ENFit is a global patient-safety initiative which makes mealtime and medication administration as safe as possible by reducing the risk of misconnection and leakage. The ENFit feeding tube connectors are purposely designed to be incompatible with the connectors for other delivery systems such as trach tubes, IV lines and catheters. 

Why is CHEO transitioning to ENFit?

  • Enhances child and youth safety
  • Reduces likelihood of misconnections and disconnections
  • Features a unique design that does not allow connectivity with other delivery systems
  • Provides a locking feature that signals appropriate connection and stays in place
  • Helps prevent formula leaks from tubing during feeding

Learn more about CHEO's ENT and otolaryngology clinic

Picture showcasing the difference between the current connectors and ENFit connectors
  • ENFit uses a twist-in connection rather than the friction-held legacy connectors.
  • The design comes with enhanced cleaning practices to prevent build-up or residue from feeds and liquid medications.
  • The ENFit system also comes with specific medication accessories that ensure dose accuracy for medications.

  • ENFit was created to reduce the risk of misconnections. Over the years, misconnections have caused serious harm, and in some cases death, to people of all ages.
  • The current legacy connectors have a risk of disconnection from medication and feeding ports. Disconnections can lead to children missing hours of feeds.

CHEO’s surgical team is exploring new G-Tubes and G-Tube insertion techniques. The Kidcare Pharmacy will carry ENFit low profile devices (Mic-Key and AMT Mini)

G-Tube primary series will remain as a cook/pigtail catheter, and will require a transition connecter for use

ENFit supplies are comparable in cost to legacy connecters and can be purchased through most vendors and distributers.

While the ENFit design maintains a secure connection, it does create a space, called a moat, where feeds and medications can get trapped.

Enhanced cleaning practices are required to prevent residue from building up in the moat.

To prevent clogging, it is important to keep the moat clean. The moat should be cleaned every 24 hours or whenever material is visible.

Image that shows the tube residue buildup, referred to as the moat

  • When priming the extension set and the pump set/bag, stop priming before fluid reaches the end of the tubing
  • After drawing up liquid medications with an ENFit syringe, clear the moat by gently flicking the syringe or wiping the tip of syringe with a clean cloth to remove any excess medication
  • Avoid overtightening the ENFit connections

The NEOMED PVC ENFit feeding tube features an open hub design that:

  • Eliminates a floor where breast milk and formula can accumulate which can foster bacterial growth
  • Facilitates effective cleaning

The closure plug wave pattern:

  • Allows air flow through the hub, which helps reduce bacterial formation
  • Minimizes debris from entering the feeding tube opening 

Adenoidectomy 

Cochlear implants

Ear tubes  

Functional endoscopic sinus surgery 

Laryngoscopy and Bronchoscopy, Suspension Microlaryngoscopy and Esophagoscopy

Neck surgery 

Nosebleeds 

 

 

Print as a PDF fact sheet

Disclaimer

These resources are for educational purposes only. If you have any questions, ask your health-care provider.

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