Macy catheters - Anyone using them?

[vampiregirl, BSN, RN]

Read a recent journal article about Macy catheters for end of life medication information and was intrigued.

Was curious if anyone has used them and if so, what are your thoughts about them?

About the Macy Catheterâ„¢ | hospi

[4boysmama]

have never seen one before - interesting concept. not sure I'd find them useful in my practice, and I imagine it's not very comfortable. Plus, I wonder what the risk of rectal abrasions (and subsequent infection) would be with repeated insertion and removal of the device?

[smithma5]

Good morning! So excited to see your post, my name is a Morgan and I am a RN that works for Hospi (Macy Catheter). Here are a few recent publications you might find interesting:

1. Journal of Hospice and Palliative Nursing- Promoting Excellence in Symptom Management:

Promoting Excellence in Symptom Management Case Series: Case... : Journal of Hospice & Palliative Nursing

2. American Journal of Emergency Medicine (3 Case Studies):

http://www.ajemjournal.com/article/S0735-6757(15)00030-3/fulltext

3. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management (Pharmacokinetics of Phenobarbital in Microenema via Macy Catheter vs Suppository): http://www.jpsmjournal.com/article/S0885-3924(16)30047-1/fulltext

Please let me know how I can help!

[smithma5]

Hi! Morgan again:) Just sent you a PM to answer your questions, but also wanted to share these videos for your reference. Hopefully these help provide some additional info:

Macy Catheter Patient/Caregiver Video:

[video=youtube_share;BuoCtNy9lfk]https://youtu.be/BuoCtNy9lfk

Macy Catheter Clinical Stories:

[video=youtube_share;jX3IYdEVLLk]https://youtu.be/jX3IYdEVLLk

[Nessybean]

The Macy Catheter was just introduced to our office a month ago, I have one in my truck but have not used one yet.

[suzy6917]

We just started using them. A wonderful alternative.

[Phoenix1963]

have never seen one before - interesting concept. not sure I'd find them useful in my practice, and I imagine it's not very comfortable. Plus, I wonder what the risk of rectal abrasions (and subsequent infection) would be with repeated insertion and removal of the device?

I thought the same, but we had an alert patient using one due to an esophageal stricture. She said it wasn't uncomfortable, and it only had to be replaced once. If your patient is able to eat (therefore ensuring bowel movements), it's probably not a good choice, but we were able to keep her comfortable and hydrated without a PEG when she couldn't swallow.