ERIKA E KIMMEL
Nursing at 16 St, Miami, FL

License number

Florida 1184442

Issued Date

Sep 8, 1980

Effective Date

Jan 1, 1901

Expiration Date

Apr 30, 2019

Professional information

Trachesostomy Tube Stabilizer

US Patent:

5101822, Apr 7, 1992

Filed:

Apr 2, 1990

Appl. No.:

7/502779

Inventors:

Erika E. Kimmel - Miami FL

International Classification:

A61M 1600

US Classification:

12820714

Abstract:

A device for supporting and maintaining a tracheostomy tube in a midline position relative to the stoma of a tracheostomy includes a neck plate support piece that corresponds to the neck plate of a tracheostomy tube to provide support directly over the stoma of the tracheostomy helping to secure the tracheostomy tube. Tracheostomy tapes extend from a front collar piece in opposite directions from the neck plate support piece around and behind the neck of a patient and are threaded through a plurality of longitudinally aligned loops that help maintain the tapes positioned centrally on the collar. Mating male and female snaps on the front and rear collar pieces remain attached even after conventional tapes and Velcro fastenings are loosened. The device also contains a porous polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) material covering instead of Velcro exposed directly to the stoma. The PTFE is easy to maintain even in the presence of contaminating secretions from the stoma of the tracheostomy and reduces the need for frequent replacement of the device.