Localization of a Nasogastric Feeding Tube Using High- Frequency Harmonic Radar - a Feasibility Study

Certain patients, for instance, preterm born babies (neonates), are not capable of feeding themselves. These patients can be helped by getting enteral nutrition by means of a nasogastric feeding tube. When inserted, the location of the feeding tube is obtained via so-called bedside methods. However, these localization techniques are not accurate enough which introduces health risks for the patients. Therefore, a new localization technique is desired to minimize or eliminate the misplacement of the feeding tube. For this purpose, we introduce a high-frequency harmonic radar localization system consisting of an out-of-body transceiver and a passive electromagnetic reflector that is located at the distal end of the feeding tube. By means of a link budget, such a system with a transmitted power of 30 dBm is proven to be feasible for an operation frequency in the industrial, scientific, medical band of 5.75 GHz (second harmonic of 11.5 GHz) for neonatal patients.