Background/problem
Patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) often require prolonged mechanical ventilation via an Endotracheal Tube (ETT). The ETT must be correctly positioned in the trachea and secured to prevent migration. However, factors such as patient movement, oral/nasal secretions, and adhesive deterioration often lead to ETT malpositioning. Consequently, frequent readjustments and re-taping are required, often daily.
ETT adjustments are typically made with reference to physical patient landmarks, such as the gum line. Yet, these often fail to achieve the desired ETT positioning, needing repetition of the procedure, which carries burdens such as patient re-sedation, repeat x-ray exposure, and cost. This lack of procedural success can be attributed to the imprecise nature of estimating where tube gradations align with patient landmarks.
Furthermore, the stressful and potentially dangerous nature of ETT repositioning often leads caregivers to rush efforts to resecure the ETT. This haste can lead to further complications, as patients can become unstable during ETT repositioning, and accidental removal of the ETT from the trachea can be fatal.
With these challenges, there is a pressing need for improved apparatus and methods to address the shortcomings of existing ETT securement and adjustment techniques.
Tech overview/solution
To enhance patient safety and care efficiency in ICUs, we offer an innovative, patent-pending device which is a novel solution designed to enhance the securement and precise adjustment of ETTs for intubated patients. It integrates with existing securement equipment like NeoBar or NeoFit products, with cutting-edge key features such as:
- Bidirectional zip tie design: The device is designed to mimic the precision and functionality of a zip tie, but with the added capability of allowing bi-directional movement of the ETT at the caregiver’s discretion.
- Two-part structure: The device consists of two main components: a “track” and a “box.” The track components are attached by the user and are sized to fit the corresponding ETT. They have a common outer diameter, while the inner diameter is adjusted to fit the tubes properly. This design allows for the use of only one version of the box component. The box component allows attachment to the NeoBar and is secured into place with a screw. After the track is taped to the tube, the tube is loaded into the bottom side of the box component. The sliding bottom is then clicked into place, securing the tube in the proper position.
- Adjustment mechanism: If the tube needs to be adjusted, the caregiver rotates the barrel on the side of the box component that corresponds to the direction of adjustment, allowing free movement in that direction. Pushing the side button down and rotating the barrel returns the tube to the locked position.
Benefits/competitive advantage
Our innovative device revolutionizes the method of ETT securement and depth adjustment, offering unparalleled stability and precision in ETT positioning ensuring optimal patient care. Specifically designed for pediatric ETTs, it eradicates the inaccuracies and inefficiencies of current ETT methods, providing superior ETT securement and significantly reducing risk to children requiring ETT manipulation. The device’s compatibility with both NeoBar and NeoFit securement products allows it to tap into the vast neonatal/infant ETT securement market.
Its unique internal mechanism, a double spring locking pin, sets it apart as a first-of-its-kind product. Despite its lightweight (5.5g), small, and portable design, the device is robust and user-friendly. Moreover, its durability in the presence of oral or nasal secretions guarantees long-lasting performance. In essence, our device offers a new standard in ETT securement and positioning. It combines innovation, precision, safety, and durability, promising to transform pediatric respiratory care.
Opportunity
The impact of ETT misplacement can be significant in terms of patient outcomes, healthcare costs, and liability risks and costs. Research shows that up to 25% of patients intubated outside of the operating room show misplaced ETTs on chest x-rays. Misplacement can lead to severe complications, including hyperinflation, pneumothorax, cardiac arrest, and death. In addition, hospitals face liability risks when ETTs are misplaced, potentially resulting in legal claims and financial losses.
Thus, the market opportunity for cutting-edge technology solutions in ETT management for ICU patients is significant, driven by the need for accurate placement and precise adjustment of ETT. The global endotracheal tube market was valued at $1.8B in 2022 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.20% from 2023 to 2030. For parties with interest in ETT devices, respiratory equipment, and ICU management/solutions.
