Description
The MICROCUFF* Adult Endotracheal Tube is a specialized medical device designed by Avanos, also known in some sources as Kimberly-Clark Health Care, US. It is crafted for effective airway management in adult patients during anesthesia or mechanical ventilation. This device is engineered to minimize microaspiration and leakage across the cuff, potentially reducing the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) during prolonged ventilation.
Key Features
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Advanced Cuff Material: The tube features a microthin polyurethane (PU) cuff membrane, significantly thinner than conventional PVC cuffs. This advanced material enhances the tracheal seal at low cuff pressures, reducing leakage and minimizing air leaks.
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Cylindrical Cuff Design: Provides increased contact with the tracheal wall, ensuring a superior seal. The design includes self-sealing channels that further prevent leakage.
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Enhanced Safety Features: Equipped with a Murphy Eye and a radiopaque line for imaging visibility. The tube is available in an Oral/Nasal Magill configuration, suitable for both oral and nasal intubation.
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Single-Use and Sterile: Each tube is EO sterilized, latex-free, and DEHP-free, making it safe for use in MRI environments. It is intended for single use only, aligning with hospital protocols for disposable medical devices.
Performance Benefits
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Puncture Strength and Burst Pressure: The cuff material offers nearly double the puncture strength and burst pressure compared to conventional cuffs, maintaining integrity despite its thinness.
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Low Cuff Pressure Seal: Provides an effective seal at low pressures, reducing the risk of tracheal injury and microaspiration. When deflated, the thin cuff material allows enhanced visualization of the vocal cords.
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Subglottic Suctioning Option: Some variants include a separate lumen for subglottic suctioning, equipped with a one-way port to maintain patency.
Clinical Evidence
Benchtop studies demonstrate superior protection against microaspiration and leakage compared to other endotracheal tubes, particularly in challenging clinical scenarios. The thin PU cuff prevents micro-channel formation, further reducing leakage and potentially lowering the incidence of VAP when used as part of a comprehensive prevention strategy.
Available Sizes
The tube is available in various internal diameters ranging from 5.0 mm to 10.0 mm, with corresponding outer diameters. Cuff sizes include 28 mm and 30 mm for subglottic suctioning variants. Each box contains 10 tubes, providing a practical packaging solution for healthcare settings.
Use Cases
Ideal for airway management in adult patients during surgery, intensive care, or emergency settings, especially where minimizing microaspiration and VAP risk is crucial. The MICROCUFF* Adult Endotracheal Tube represents a significant advancement in airway management technology, offering enhanced safety and performance for healthcare professionals.
