The Venner PNEUX(tm) System for VAP Prevention
Ventilator-associated Pneumonia (VAP)
is the most frequent ICU acquired infection among patients receiving mechanical ventilation(1). It is estimated that the incidence of VAP in the Critical Care environment ranges between 10% and 20% of patients (2) and this results in 24% to 50% mortality(3)
The Venner PneuX(TM) VAP Prevention System addresses multiple known risk factors associated with intubation systems in current standard use.
The PneuX(TM) System is indicated for use in Adult Critical Care for patients requiring intubation, when potential VAP can occur. Patient groups would include General Intensive Care, High-Risk Cardiac, Burns, Neuro and Transplant patients.
The technology comprises of a specially designed single-use silicone, flexible, low-volume low-pressure cuffed endotracheal/tracheostomy tubes and Tracheal Seal Monitor.
Microaspiration
The secretions that gather above the ETT cuff are laden with bacteria, and are harmful to the patient if they enter the lower trachea and lungs, thus causing a VAP(1).
Whilst a normal ETT cuff will be inflated to secure a good seal for ventilation purposes, there remain folds in the cuff that allow secretions to gradually pass the cuff via these channels. Some of the newer ET tubes have been tested for microaspiration, as can be seen in the Leak test below.