RecruitingPhase IInterventional

Using light-based imaging to check where a feeding tube is placed in the stomach

Doctors often need to place a thin tube, called a nasogastric tube (NGT), into the stomach to provide food or medicine. If these tubes are put in the wrong place, it can cause serious problems, especially if food gets into the lungs. Currently, doctors use X-rays to check the tube's position, which can be slow and sometimes difficult to interpret. This study is testing a new, portable device that uses a special light-based technology to help doctors see the tube's position straight away at the bedside. The aim is to make NGT placement more accurate, safer for patients, and quicker, reducing the need for X-rays. We are looking for healthy people and patients who need an NGT to take part.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Phase I

Sponsor

The University of Edinburgh & Lothian Health Board ACCORD

Enrolment target

Start

16 Feb 2026

Estimated completion

31 Jul 2026

Prevention of misplacement of nasogastric tubes in patients

What is this study about?

This study is looking at a new way to place what doctors call a nasogastric tube, or NGT. This is a thin, flexible tube that goes through your nose, down your throat, and into your stomach. It's often used when people can't eat or drink enough by mouth, to give them food, water, or medicine. Sometimes, placing these tubes can be tricky, and if the tube ends up in the wrong place, like the lungs instead of the stomach, it can cause serious health problems.

At the moment, doctors usually rely on X-rays to confirm that the tube is in the correct position. However, X-rays mean moving the patient, which isn't always easy, and sometimes the images aren't perfectly clear. This new study is testing a special device that uses light to help guide the doctor. This 'Photon Imaging Device' is designed to show where the tube is inside your body in real-time, right at your bedside. This could make the process much faster and safer, reducing the risk of complications.

The main goal of this research is to see if this new light-based device can improve how accurately and quickly NGTs are placed. If successful, this technology could mean fewer misplaced tubes, less need for X-rays, and ultimately, a safer experience for patients who need this common medical procedure. This is the first time this specific light technology is being used in people for this purpose, but it has been carefully tested beforehand.

Key takeaways

Testing a new light-based device for safer feeding tube placement.
Aims to reduce misplaced tubes and the need for X-rays.
Participation involves having the device used during NGT placement and possible extra X-rays.
No direct personal benefit, but helps improve future patient care.
Risks are mainly linked to the NGT procedure itself, or very small from extra X-rays.
You can stop participating at any time.

Who may be eligible?

We're looking for adults between 16 and 75 years old who are able to understand the study and agree to take part in writing.

There are two groups of people who can join: healthy volunteers who are generally well, and patients who need a nasogastric feeding tube as part of their regular medical care.

Some things might mean you can't join the study. For example, if you've had certain surgeries around your face or throat recently, have conditions that affect bleeding, or if you've had trouble with feeding tubes before. Also, women who are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or breastfeeding cannot take part. The study team will check thoroughly to make sure it's safe for you to participate.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you between 16 and 75 years old?
Can you understand the study information and give written permission to take part?
Are you generally healthy, or do you need a feeding tube for medical reasons?
Are you pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding? (If yes, you likely can't join)
Have you had recent surgery around your nose or throat, or problems with bleeding?
Have you been told you have esophageal varices (swollen veins in the food pipe)?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, the new light-based device will be used while a doctor places your nasogastric tube. This will happen at your bedside, so you won't need to move to an X-ray room for the check. The device shines a light to show where the tube is going in real-time.

You may also have up to four chest X-rays. This is more than you would usually have if you weren't in the study. These X-rays use a small amount of radiation, which carries a very tiny risk (about the same as 7 days of natural background radiation).

If the X-ray shows anything unexpected that isn't part of the study, and if doctors have concerns, they will let your GP know. The total duration of your participation in the study procedure itself will be relatively short, focused around the tube placement.

Potential risks and benefits

There's no direct personal benefit expected from taking part in this particular study, but your involvement will help us understand if this new light technology can improve safety for future patients needing feeding tubes. The flexible light strip from the device itself has been tested and approved for human use. The main risks come from the nasogastric tube placement itself, such as discomfort, a nosebleed, or a sinus infection, which usually get better when the tube is removed. A more serious, but very rare, risk is the tube going into the lung, which can cause breathing problems. However, in this study, the tube won't be used to give anything, which further lowers this risk. You will also have a few extra X-rays, which expose you to a tiny amount of radiation with a very small, long-term risk. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting your medical care.

Locations (1)

Some site locations are approximate. We're improving this — please verify with the trial team before travelling.

Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh at Little France
City only
Lothian, Scotland

Common questions

What is a nasogastric tube?

It's a thin, flexible tube passed through the nose, down the throat, and into the stomach, often used for feeding or medicine.

What is this new device?

It's a portable device that uses special light to help doctors see where the tube is inside your body, quickly and accurately.

Will I have more X-rays than usual?

Yes, you might have up to four extra chest X-rays to help with the study, which have a very small, temporary radiation exposure.

Will I get paid for taking part?

No, you won't be paid or financially benefit from the study, even if the device becomes a commercial product in the future.

Can I leave the study at any time?

Yes, it's completely your choice. You can decide to stop participating at any point, and it won't affect your medical care.

How to find out more

Beatrice Selby

bea.selby@ed.ac.uk +44 (0)131 651 8100 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.