A friend has a feeding tube and it's a common problem that the friction fitting that goes in sometimes falls out while feeding. This results in a mess. I came up with a design for a printable clip that holds the tube in securely. This has been through quite a few revisions to make it fairly durable and easy to print, and to remove all the sharp edges so that it won't hurt if you roll onto it.
This model is only known to fit the model of tube shown in the photo. I am willing to work with people to come up with derivative designs, or anyone with the design skills please post them here as well with them marked as a derivative design so it can be easily found.
Please note that this object is open source licensed
I will now point out that I am not implying fitness for purpose for anything here, use this at your own risk.
NOTE ALSO THAT THIS PREVENTS THE TUBES FROM COMING APART IF PULLED ON. This means it could tug hard on the feeding tube and cause injury. Do not use in any situation where you're moving around and the tube could snag on anything. Use entirely at your own risk. If you have any concerns please see your doctor first.
3D printed objects are somewhat porous so over time they could host bacteria. I would at least clean it periodically in a mild bleach solution and rinse it regularly.
Technical
Any common semi rigid plastic should work. I have been using PLA, PETG also works well.
I print at 85% infill and no supports
I'm not sure how this tube is referred to officially. It's a GJ tube. I have a gastric tube variant coming up soon, the only real difference is that one is shorter. The tapered end probably will fit a wide variety of tubes, the clip end fits with what I think is pretty much a universal connection, so varying the length is likely all that's needed for most tubes.
I changed the SCAD file on the new variant to make it trivial to adjust the length.
Honestly I'd say just print them, and if they don't work for someone ask if it would work if longer or shorter and by how much, and change that.
Kerivkennedy
over 3 years
you say known to fit only the model of tube shown in the print. Forgive me for being an idiot, but I'm wanting to use my 3D printer for the benefit of my many friends of children with special needs. My own daughter doesn't require a feeding tube, but many do.
How would I know if this is the right kind for them? Is this a Y port? or something more specific?
I'm a computer person who grew up on a farm. I enjoy all kinds of making. Programming, electronics design, rough carpentry, whatever.I am a mentor for FIRST Robotics FRC team 1502, "Technical Difficulties" at Chelsea High School.