This is not the most high tech device we have ever profiled, but it can save lives, so here’s an introduction to a new airway adapter from CareFusion:
The new Verso 90 adapter is part of the AirLife™ Closed-Suction System which is different from traditional closed-suction catheters because of its modularity. With this system, a clinician can change catheters or perform various airway access procedures through a single port without having to disconnect the patient from the ventilator. This leads to increased patient safety because disconnecting a patient from the ventilator circuit can lead to lung derecruitment, which in some patients, may result in atelectasis or hypoxemia.
In addition, keeping a closed system when changing catheters or performing bronchoscopies, reduces the risk of cross contamination which can lead to ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). The incident of VAP is 22.8 percent in patients receiving mechanical ventilation, with a cost of $28,508 per patient and increases the length of stay in the hospital by an average of 12.2 days.
Clinicians also have the ability to replace the closed-suction catheter independent of the adapter, which may only need to be replaced when the ventilator circuit is changed. This means that by using the CareFusion system, clinicians only need to replace half the system, which could lead to a cost-savings benefit for the hospital.
Press release: CareFusion Launches Respiratory Airway Adapter to Improve Patient Safety and Reduce Hospital Costs …
