J Perinatol. 2026 Mar 31. doi: 10.1038/s41372-026-02643-8. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Tumguide®, a radiation-free, transillumination-guided system for gastric tube (GT) placement in neonates.
STUDY DESIGN: This single-center prospective observational study enrolled neonates requiring GT placement. Tumguide® was used to guide placement. Primary outcomes were intragastric placement success rate and accuracy, defined as radiographically confirmed positioning not requiring adjustment.
RESULTS: A total of 71 procedures were performed in 55 neonates. Median gestational age was 37.1 weeks, and median birth weight was 2480 g. The overall intragastric placement success rate was 99%, with 73% accuracy. No adverse events were reported. Protocol modifications significantly improved accuracy from 17% to 85% (p < 0.001). Tumguide® maintained high accuracy across varying body weights.
CONCLUSIONS: Tumguide® enables accurate and successful GT placement in neonates. Its real-time visualization and compatibility with small-caliber tubes support its utility as a practical alternative to traditional methods.
CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION (IF ANY): This study was registered in the University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry in Japan (ID: UMIN000055947, URL: https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr_e/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000063917 ).
PMID:41917299 | DOI:10.1038/s41372-026-02643-8
