New Products and Industry News

Endotracheal tube adjusts for difficult intubations

   Medline (Mundelein, Ill.) introduces EndoFlex, an endotracheal tube that enables clinicians to rapidly and safely adjust the tip to accommodate a variety of difficult airway situations. The product was introduced at the American Society of Anesthesiologists annual meeting in Las Vegas.

    The endotracheal tube serves as an open passage through the upper airway. The purpose of endotracheal intubation is to permit air to pass freely to and from the lungs in order to ventilate the lungs. Endotracheal tubes can be connected to ventilator machines to provide artificial respiration.

    For more information, visit www.medline.com.

Liquid-filled pad relieves discomfort

    LiquiCell Inc. (Eden Prairie, Minn.) offers the Liquicell™ pad, an ultra-thin, liquid interface technology specifically designed to relieve the discomfort one experiences over time when the body is in contact with another object. Customized liquid-filled cells are being used in various applications, including wheelchair cushions and overlays, gloves, elbow pads, and ankle booties to help prevent pressure sores.

    For more information, visit www.liquicell.com.

Wound vacuum system approved for marketing

    BlueSky Medical Group Inc. (La Costa, Calif.) received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for marketing the Versatile 1™ Wound Vacuum System (V1 WVS).

    The wound vacuum applies localized negative pressure to the wound bed to promote wound healing. Localized negative pressure has been used for years to heal wounds, and was reintroduced in the 1980s with flexible membrane technology by Katherine Jeter, D Ed, ET. The WVS concept follows the teachings of Dr. Jeter and Dr. Mark Chariker. The FDA cleared the Chariker-Jeter Vacuum Sealing Kit as part of the WVS approach. The FDA approved marketing of the wound vacuum system for patients who would benefit from use of a suction device to promote wound healing.

    For more information, email info@blueskymedical or visit www.blueskymedical.com.

Incontinence product is absorbent, easy to use

    TENA® (SCA Personal Care, Eddystone, Pa.) has developed flex-i-fit™, a new incontinence product that helps residents overcome potentially serious skin problems. The product offers the absorbency of other products manufactured by the company but with 40% less material in non-absorbent areas. It also features a unique Air Dry Layer™ that allows for all-around air circulation while locking fluid into the absorbent core.

    This helps maintain a natural skin environment to keeps skin at a lower humidity than other products. Ease of application helps eliminate one of the most common caregiver risks associated with changing incontinence products – lower back pain and injury.

    The product offers two levels of absorbency: Super for regular to heavy incontinence and Maxi for maximum protection for nighttime use or extended wear.

    For more information, please call 610-499-3349.

New foot braces treat various foot injuries

    FLA Orthopedics, Inc. introduces StepLite® Easy Strider™ Walker Braces for use in treating ankle or foot strains, lower extremity soft tissue injuries, stress and stable fractures of the foot or ankle, and post Achilles Tendon repairs. The product is lightweight and low profile and features extra comfort padding. Criss-cross ankle straps increase foot stabilization and a breathable foam liner keeps the skin cool and dry. Compact packaging provides for easy handling and storage; high and low heights are available.

    For more information, call (800) 327-4110.