Teleflex launches Gibeck Humid-Flo Passive Humidification Kit for Ventilator Associated Pneumonia risk reduction

Teleflex IncorporatedSep 23 2010

Teleflex has introduced the Gibeck Humid-Flo Passive Humidification Kit, an integrated system that promotes best practices for Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP) risk reduction. This convenient kit includes everything required to initiate passive humidification for the first 72 hours of mechanical ventilation.

Multiple factors can cause Ventilator Associated Pneumonia, from environmental contaminants to harmful breaks in procedure. Verified for safety and performance, the Gibeck Humid-Flo Passive Humidification kit reduces the frequency of ventilator circuit breaks, allowing all components, including the heat & moisture exchanger (HME), to remain in-line during the first 72 hours of mechanical ventilation.

The innovative design of the Gibeck Humid-Flo HME allows it to remain in-line even when aerosol treatments are given. This allows clinicians to better adhere to clinical practice guidelines and recommendations from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), AARC (American Association for Respiratory Care) and SHEA (Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America) regarding infection control practices for VAP, including:

• Do not routinely change more frequently than every 48 hours a heat-moisture exchanger that is in use by a patient.
• Passive humidifiers do not need to be changed daily for reasons of infection control or technical performance.
• Change an HME that is in use on a patient when it malfunctions mechanically or becomes visibly soiled.

"We are pleased to offer this novel approach to ventilation management that reduces the frequency of ventilator circuit breaks. Studies have shown that this reduces the risk for cross-contamination and VAP. This is yet another example of a solution that supports our mission to enhance patient outcomes by providing products and solutions that help clinicians protect against infections and improve patient and provider safety," said Cary Vance, Executive Vice President, Teleflex North America.