Covidien (NYSE: COV), a leading global healthcare products company and recognized innovator in mechanical ventilation and respiratory care devices, today announced the global launch of Mallinckrodt™ TaperGuard™ and TaperGuard™ Evac endotracheal tubes. The TaperGuard line of endotracheal tubes incorporates a unique, taper-shaped cuff made from polyvinylchloride (PVC) that is designed to substantially reduce the risk of microaspiration. The TaperGuard Evac endotracheal tube additionally provides for secretion drainage through an integrated suction lumen. As a result, the TaperGuard Evac endotracheal tube is associated with a reduction in ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP). 1
Microaspiration refers to the entry of foreign material into the respiratory tract. The TaperGuard line of endotracheal tubes offers a superior cuff seal, compared with conventional endotracheal tubes, to help block secretions from entering the airways. Specifically, the innovative taper-shaped cuff design substantially reduces microaspiration by an average of 90%, versus the conventional barrel-shaped PVC cuff, found on the most widely used endotracheal tube -- the Mallinckrodt™ Hi-Lo™ endotracheal tube.2
“In the 1970’s, we introduced the Hi-Lo endotracheal tube, which has been the standard of care for many years,” said James E. Willett, Vice President and General Manager, Airway Management and Ventilation, Covidien. “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.”