Mallinckrodt TaperGuardMicroaspiration refers to the access of unfamiliar objects into the respiratory tract. To solve this problem, Covidien, a top healthcare products company declared the worldwide launch of Mallinckrodt TaperGuard and TaperGuard Evac endotracheal tubes. The TaperGuard line of endotracheal tubes includes an exceptional, taper-shaped cuff made from polyvinylchloride (PVC) that is supposedly planned to considerably decrease the threat of microaspiration. The TaperGuard Evac endotracheal tube furthermore offers for discharge drainage through an incorporated suction lumen. As a result, the TaperGuard Evac endotracheal tube is apparently linked with a decline in ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).

The TaperGuard line of endotracheal tubes provides an advanced cuff seal, as opposed to usual endotracheal tubes, to assist in obstructing secretions from entering the airways. Particularly, the ground-breaking taper-shaped cuff design may considerably decrease microaspiration by a standard of 90%, against the usual barrel-shaped PVC cuff, which is apparently found on the most extensively used endotracheal tube, the Mallinckrodt Hi-Lo endotracheal tube.

James E. Willett, Vice President and General Manager, Airway Management and Ventilation, Covidien, commented, “In the 1970’s, we introduced the Hi-Lo endotracheal tube, which has been the standard of care for many years. Today, the innovative taper-shaped cuff of the TaperGuard endotracheal tube offers enhanced protection for all intubated patients. The TaperGuard device is the next-generation endotracheal tube, one that reflects our commitment to developing products that improve patient safety by reducing microaspiration, which is associated with a variety of pulmonary complications, including pneumonia.”

Medical literature over the past four decades claims that post-intubation pulmonary complications are common, expensive and linked with augmented morbidity and death. It is seen that the four most usually named pulmonary complications are pneumonia, respiratory failure, atelectasis and acute exacerbation of chronic lung disease. All these complications have been linked with microaspiration of secretions into the lungs. Studies have accounted quantities of up to 150 ml of secretions being detached per day above the cuff. Extra data alleges that, with typical endotracheal tubes, microaspiration could happen at any time from intubation to extubation.

Douglas Hansell, M.D., M.P.H., Chief Medical Officer & Vice President, Respiratory and Monitoring Solutions, Covidien, mentioned, “Microaspiration is always a possibility during an operation and may lead to post-intubation pulmonary complications, such as pneumonia. The advanced design of the TaperGuard endotracheal tube has the potential to significantly minimize many of the risks associated with post-intubation pulmonary complications.”

Pete Wehrly, President, Respiratory and Monitoring Solutions, Covidien, remarked, “The global launch of the TaperGuard line of endotracheal tubes illustrates Covidien’s commitment to developing innovative, proven solutions for commonly occurring healthcare complications, with the goal of decreasing patient mortality, as well as healthcare costs. With each new product and technology, our goal remains the same: to enhance patient safety, medical efficacy and healthcare efficiency.”

The TaperGuard Evac endotracheal tube joins the TaperGuard cuff with Mallinckrodt Evac technology, which apparently provides secretion management capacities by facilitating incessant or irregular drainage of secretions that gather above the cuff.