Teleflex Introduces OSMO^™

SOLVING THE PROBLEM OF BREATHING CIRCUIT CONDENSATION

A NOVEL CONTRIBUTION TO REDUCE INFECTIONS AND IMPROVE PATIENT SAFETY

Teleflex now introduces OSMO, an innovative solution to the problem of breathing circuit condensation, allowing for maintenance-free water removal from the expiratory limb of the breathing circuit during mechanical ventilation.

MECHANICAL VENTILATION – BOTH A BLESSING AND A CURSE?

When a patient requires partial or total support for breathing by a mechanical ventilator, a breathing system is used to deliver medical gases from the ventilator to the patient’s lungs. This breathing system is commonly called a ventilation circuit.
The gas the patient breathes in requires humidification to maintain healthy levels of moisture to prevent hypothermia, thickening of airway secretions and other complications. Heated humidifiers actively increase the heat and water vapour content of the air that is breathed in.

One of the biggest challenges with humidification during mechanical ventilation is condensation control. The management of condensation leads to multiple circuit breaks when there is too much moisture in the circuit, ventilator alarms and increased filter usage. Getting in touch with liquid water directed towards the patient while manipulating the circuit, has been shown to be a risk factor in the development of VAP (Ventilator Associated Pneumonia).

Thus breathing circuit management is very labour intensive and bears the risk of cross-contamination that can affect the caregiver and / or the patient.

OSMO – LESS MAINTENANCE, MORE PROTECTION

Osmo is designed to provide optimal humidification without significant intervention. Reduced circuit manipulation means reduced cross-contamination potential, therefore protection for the patient, the caregiver and the ventilator. Moreover, as it is maintainance free, it will save time that can be spent on the patient himself.

HOW DOES IT WORK?

OSMO utilizes an innovative design and unique media to promote the condensation of water vapour from exhaled gas, transferring it to the atmosphere in a pathogen-free, molecular form. The product design (inner cylinder) maximizes dwell time, which forces cooling down and encourages condensation. As condensation takes place, the media transfers solely water to molecular form through osmosis. The media is built around a nonporous film, which prevents pathogens from passing to the outside of the device. A transparent cap and a maximum line allow for visualisation of water level and indicate when replacement is needed.