Kimberly-Clark Introduces New Subglottic Suction Endotracheal Tube

The MICROCUFF Subglottic ETT offers more effective subglottic suctioning through its unique features which provide more effective clearing.

Suction lumens are often clogged by subglottic secretions, preventing effective suctioning and increasing the risk for infectious secretions in the lungs, a leading cause of Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP). 

  

MICROCUFF Subglottic ETT features an ergonomic subglottic suction valve and integrated rinse port, enabling controlled rinsing and suctioning of the lumen in a single cycle, without the need to open the suction circuit.

 

For many healthcare workers, the clearing of subglottic lines has been a persistent problem which has meant that lines sometimes have to be disconnected to be cleared. This can result in potential secretion exposure to both patient and the clinician. The MICROCUFF Subglottic ETT solves this problem with a more efficient system that keeps the system closed as the line is cleared, protecting both patient and staff from contamination.

A recent study conducted on behalf of Kimberly-Clark by Clinimark Labs found that using saline to loosen secretions and clear the lumen is both more effective at preventing and clearing clogs, and more efficient for suctioning secretions when compared to air bolus.

The same study also found MICROCUFF Subglottic ETT's unique design allows medical professionals to provide periodic saline rinsing as a preventative measure against clogging, improving suctioning effectiveness to their ventilated patients. 

The advanced cylindrical-shape of MICROCUFF Subglottic ETT's polyurethane cuff provides a superior tracheal seal, preventing leakage up to 93% and enables the use of saline.  Polyurethane cuffs prevent fluid leakage, demonstrating 93% less mircroaspiration than competitive products.

"We are committed to helping our customers reduce the risks associated with VAP and further improve patient care," explained Alexia Pedrini, Kimberly-Clark’s General Manager for Respiratory Care in EMEA. "Bundles featuring a number of recommended care interventions are now widely recognised as the most effective way of helping to prevent infection in ventilated patients and effective subglottic suctioning is cited as an integral element of an effective programme.

“The MICROCUFF Subglottic ETT is a breakthrough in patient safety that helps to eliminate cross contamination and leakage, and for the first time enables the use of saline for clearing the lumen."

References available at source.

16 April 2014