Use Case Title: Allergy to Latex in Jejunostomy Tube

Use Case Title: Allergy to Latex in Jejunostomy Tube

Reviewed and accepted – July 26, 2012

1.  Use Case Description

The purpose of this use case is to describe an adverse event of an allergic reaction to latex in a jejunostomy tube implanted as a feeding tube into a teenage patient with a severe disability. The adverse event was reported by the patient’s family.

3. Conditions

This use case is an example of an adverse event that can occur due to a reaction to latex in an implanted device. Even though the patient was wearing a wrist band identifying her allergy and the device label stated that the device contained latex, the device was still implanted in the patient.

4.  Exclusions

There are no exclusions associated with this use case. The patient’s medical records included the latex allergy and the device label included a warning about the tube containing latex.

5.  Preconditions

The patient had surgery to implant a polyurethane central line and jejunal feeding tube.

6.  Use Case Sequence of Steps

·  Patient’s family provided hospital with list of patient’s allergies.

·  Pre-surgery workup of patient.

·  Polyurethane central line and jejunal feeding tube implanted in patient.

·  Patient had rashes, as well as red spots on chest and shoulders post-surgery.

·  Allergist informed that tube with latex was inserted in patient.

·  Surgeon removed tube two weeks post original surgery.

7.  Post Condition

·  Device not returned to manufacturer.

8.  Use Case Scenario

A jejunal feeding tube was implanted in a patient.

Medical History:

·  Prior to surgery, patient had a pre-operative appointment.

·  Patient’s family provided hospital with allergy list including allergy to latex.

Surgery:

·  Jejunal feeding tube and polyurethane central line were implanted in patient.

Presenting Complaints Post-Operative (post insertion timing of two weeks)

·  Rashes

·  Red spots on chest and shoulders

Post-Operative Examination:

·  Hospital realized they failed to notice that the product labeling stated that the jejunal tube contained latex.

·  Tube removed by surgeon.

Diagnosis:

·  Patient had an allergic reaction to the latex in the implanted jejunal feeding tube.

Treatment:

·  Jejunal feeding tube removed.

*Note: Information was added to this use case for the purpose of this exercise.