A new Belgian study published in the renowned journal Annals of Intensive Care, shows that the risk of VAP in intensive care patients is reduced by 53% when using Bactiguard’s endotracheal tubes with subglottic secretion drainage (BIP ETT Evac).1
Even a short treatment with endotracheal tubes, can make the patient develop ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP), a very serious respiratory tract infection that can affect intubated patients. VAP is the second most common healthcare associated infection in the ICU,2-4 and microbial adhesion on the tube resulting in biofilm formation is a contributing factor to infection.
The Bactiguard technology (Bactiguard Infection Protection) is based on a very thin noble metal alloy coating, firmly attached to the catheter surface. When in contact with fluids, the noble metals create a galvanic effect which reduces microbial adhesion. This means that less bacteria adhere to the catheter surface, which reduces the risk of biofilm formation leading to infection.
Bactiguard’s coating is firmly attached to the tube, which makes the technology both safe and tissue friendly as opposed to traditional coating technologies, that often depend on the release of substances that kill the bacteria, e.g. higher concentrations of silver ions, chlorhexidine or antibiotics.
The product is well proven, more than 100,000 patients have been included in clinical trials and over 200 million products have been used without any reported side adverse events related to the coating.
The BIP ETT is used to secure an open airway during anesthesia or when intubation is necessary as part of standard medical care. It is inserted through the mouth or nose into the trachea and connected to a ventilator.
Bactiguard’s endotracheal tube is available with or without subglottic secretion drainage; BIP ETT Evac and BIP ETT. The beveled tip, Murphy Eye and high volume-low pressure cuff are designed to minimize the risk of damages to the patients’ trachea and ensure safe usage.
BIP ETT is made of phthalate-free PVC and coated with the Bactiguard coating on both the inside and outside of the tube. It is approved for use for up to 30 days.
References:
1. Damas, P., Legrain, C., Lambermont, B. et al. Prevention of ventilator-associated pneumonia by noble metal coating of endotracheal tubes: a multi-center, randomized, double-blind study. Ann. Intensive Care 12,1 (2022). https://doi.org/10.1186/s13613-021-00961-y
2. Craven DE et al. Infect. 1996;11(1):32-53.
3. Rello J et al. Chest. 2002;122(6):2115-2121.
4. Kollef MH et al. Chest. 2005; 128 (6):3854-3862.
