Decompression System
Sometimes the stomach may become bloated or swollen. This is usually caused by extra air or “gas” in the stomach. Gas is a normal part of digestion. People who have a feeding tube can easily get rid of extra air in the stomach. This is called venting or decompression.
There are many ways to vent or decompress. One way is using a closed-circuit venting system. This allows the gas to leave the stomach during feedings without losing nutrition, medicine, or stomach contents. People with a very bloated stomach may need to have the extra gas removed manually before using the decompression system. This can be done by attaching a syringe to the feeding tube.
Things to know about the decompression system:
- It has a bag with tubing that looks like a feeding bag.
- The tubing of the decompression system connects to the feeding tube on one end and to the feeding bag on the other end.
- The extra gas in your stomach goes through the decompression bag and out the vent at the top of the bag while you are feeding.
- Medicine can also be given while using the decompression system.
- When the decompression system is working correctly, formula/nutrition may move up and down the tubing but should usually stay around the level of the patient’s stomach. If any stomach contents, formula or feed go into the bag, they are fed back down the tubing into the patient by gravity.
- If you only have a small amount of formula or nutrition (for example neonates) may need between 60 and 90 minutes to establish flow into the decompression tubing before opening the white roller clamp.
- It can be used with neonates, children, and adults. In neonates, the bag should be hung as close to the patient’s stomach as possible for best results.
How to Use the FARRELL Valve System
It is important to follow the right steps to set up and use the closed-circuit venting system. Click on this link to learn how to properly setup the decompression system.
Talk with your healthcare team about what would work best for your needs.
There are unavoidable risks when using any medical device. Please read the product labelling for Indications, Cautions, Warnings and Contraindications.
Instructions for Use (IFU) and Patient Guides
Below you will find a link to go to our IFU website to find all of our other patient guides and IFUs. To ensure you always have the most current information regarding your specific product, please visit our Instructions for Use website. When you arrive at the site, scroll down to view the easy-to-follow instructions and have your product part # (the REF# on your product label) ready to enter in the search box.
All Patient Guides
IFU WebsiteAdditional Guides & Booklets
Patient Guide for the FARRELL* Valve System
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