Inventors:
Kevin R. Ward - Glen Allen VA, US
Curtis N. Sessler - Richmond VA, US
Mary Jo Grap - Midlothian VA, US
Laurence J. Dinardo - Richmond VA, US
Bruce D. Spiess - Manakin Sabot VA, US
Rao R. Ivatury - Richmond VA, US
Cindy Munro - Apollo Beach CA, US
International Classification:
A61M 16/00
Abstract:
Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) may be prevented in a patient, or its occurrence reduced in a population of patients, by using an anti-VAP device or an anti-VAP material such as an anti-VAP mouthpiece that absorbs secretions. By reducing the problem of bacterial-containing secretions that otherwise build up in the airway of, and elsewhere in, the intubated patient, VAP can be prevented from occurring in intubated patients, such as patients intubated with an endotracheal tube (ETT) or a nasogastric tube. Anti-VAP mouthpieces also are useable in non-intubated patients to maintain oral hygiene.