A novel silicone adapter for enteral hydration with bottled water: device design and direct cost analysis
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22491/2357-9730.155745Keywords:
Fluid Therapy, Pharmaceutical Economics, Enteral NutritionAbstract
Introduction: Traditional hydration practices in hospital settings face operational challenges and high supply costs, particularly when Sterile Water for Injection (SWFI) is used enterally due to a lack of dedicated bottling infrastructure. Objective: To design and model a medical-grade silicone adapter enabling the direct connection of commercial bottled mineral water to enteral administration sets. Methods: A two-component system (threaded cap and suspension strap) was modeled using SolidWorks® and manufactured via injection-vulcanization molding with medical-grade silicone (Shore A 50). A direct material cost analysis was performed comparing bottled mineral water against SWFI. Results: Direct supply cost analysis demonstrated a 62.7% overall cost reduction (from US$ 85.80 to US$ 32.00 per patient/month) compared to SWFI, with fluid acquisition alone yielding a 77.5% saving. Conclusion: The developed adapter represents a technically viable proof-of-concept that reduces direct supply costs while addressing safety considerations in enteral nutrition workflows.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Josué Guilherme Lisbôa Moura, Josiele Dias da Rosa Mossmann , Marcelo Cristiano da Silva, Kátia Regina Bica Machado
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