Teleflex Medical's OSMO removes water from the expiratory limb of breathing circuit during mechanical ventilation

Aug 31 2009

Teleflex Medical has announced the introduction of OSMO, a universal solution that allows for maintenance free water removal from the expiratory limb of the breathing circuit during mechanical ventilation.

Humidification is used during mechanical ventilation to maintain a healthy pulmonary hydration level. Jeri Eiserman, RRT, Director of Clinical Support for Teleflex Medical, said, “One of the challenges to delivering optimal humidity is the accumulation of condensation in the breathing circuit which can have negative implications on patient and provider safety as well as the integrity of the ventilator equipment. Management of breathing circuit condensation requires frequent disconnection to drain the moisture. Each disconnection, or circuit break, raises potential for cross-contamination. OSMO is designed to reduce circuit condensation, allowing for optimal humidification without significant clinician intervention.”

OSMO utilizes an innovative design and unique media to promote the condensation of water vapor from exhaled gas, transferring it to the atmosphere. The product design maximizes dwell time, which forces temperature reduction and encourages condensation. As condensation takes place, the media transfers water to molecular form through osmosis.

The advantages of OSMO include protection for the patient through reduced circuit manipulation and cross-contamination potential; protection for the caregiver through minimized exposure to de-pressurizing circuits and protection for the ventilator by reducing the accumulation of condensation. The product is also designed to assist facilities with infection risk reduction strategies such as those recommended by the Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America (SHEA) Strategies to Prevent Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (1).OSMO is available in two sizes, allowing for use with neonate, pediatric and adult applications.

“OSMO is another in a line of innovative solutions that Teleflex Medical brings to the marketplace and further establishes our presence as a true respiratory solutions provider,” said Ernest Waaser, President, Teleflex Medical. “It is a novel solution to the problem of breathing circuit condensation and supports Teleflex Medical’s mission and vision to enhance patient outcomes by providing products that help reduce infections and improve patient safety.”

http://www.teleflexmedical.com/