Long-Term Total Parenteral Nutrition

Abstract

We describe the concept of an artificial gut system which can provide prolonged nutrition to patients incapable of enteric feeding. Concentrated nutrients are safely introduced into the circulation via an arteriovenous shunt, and delivered by either a day-mode (portable pump) or night-mode (gravity feed) delivery system. The system has been designed to be operated by the patient in his own home and has potential for maintenance of health of patients with chronic bowel disease.