Intravenous contrast materials are widely used in a variety of imaging tests, such as MRIs, CTs and PET scans. Various types of contrast materials exist, differing in the size and type of molecules they contain.

The elderly have a high risk for malnutrition. With advancing age, there is an increased chance for developing diseases or conditions that affect nutrition. Cognitive impairments can also cause chewing and swallowing difficulty.

A G-tube, or gastric tube, is a surgically placed tube that goes through the skin of your abdomen directly into your stomach to provide nutrition support. It is meant for people who cannot eat or get enough nutrition by mouth.

Tube feedings are implemented in a medical setting to provide nutrition to individuals who are unable or unwilling to eat. Feedings tubes are placed for a variety of reasons and may be in place temporarily or permanently. Two common types of tube feedings are nasogastric tubes and percutaneous gastronomy tubes.

Feeding tube removal is usually performed by a licensed health care professional, either a nurse or physician. Nasogastric feeding tubes are rigid plastic tubes that are inserted through the nose and passed down through the esophagus to rest in the stomach.

A feeding tube is a long, narrow tube inserted into the stomach indirectly through the nose or mouth, or directly through the abdomen. During feeding, liquid food products pass into the stomach through the feeding tube, ensuring that patients receive adequate dietary nutrition and caloric intake.

Some medical conditions prevent people from eating enough calories to meet daily-recommended requirements. Other medical conditions require a high number of daily calories that a patient is not able to obtain through oral intake.