In the NICU, unplanned extubations (UEs) are the most common adverse event during mechanical ventilation.([FOOTNOTE=Hatch LD 3rd, Scott TA, Slaughter JC, et al. Outcomes, Resource Use, and Financial Costs of Unplanned Extubations in Preterm Infants. Pediatrics. 2020;145(6):e20192819. doi:10.1542/peds.2019-2819.],[ANCHOR=],[LINK=]) UEs pose a significant patient safety concern ― interrupting the ventilation of a neonate can lead to respiratory deterioration, hypoxia, and can start a cascade of physiological stress, which can be potentially life-threatening. Additionally, reintubation after a UE can result in pharynx or tracheal trauma.1,([FOOTNOTE=Meyers JM, Pinheiro J, Nelson MU. Unplanned extubation in NICU patients: are we speaking the same language? J Perinatol. 2015;35(9):676-677. doi:10.1038/jp.2015.55],[ANCHOR=],[LINK=])
UEs can also lead to increased hospital costs and increased length of stay.([FOOTNOTE=Galiote JP, Ridoré M, Carman J, et al. Reduction in unintended extubations in a level IV neonatal intensive care unit. Pediatrics. May 2019;143(5):e20180897],[ANCHOR=],[LINK=]) As of today, there are only recommendations of standardizations and mitigation interventions for reducing UEs.([FOOTNOTE=Cong X, Wu J, Vittner D, Xu W, et al. The impact of cumulative pain/stress on neurobehavioral development of preterm infants in the NICU. Early Hum Dev. May 2017;108:9–16.],[ANCHOR=],[LINK=]) Yet, some of the guidelines in these recommendations can lead to additional stress to the intubated baby and can impact neonatal well-being, including:([FOOTNOTE=Nacheli GC, Sharma M, Wang X, Gupta A, Guzman JA, Tonelli AR. Novel device (AirWave) to assess endotracheal tube migration: a pilot study. J Crit Care. 2013;28(4):535.e1-535.e5358. doi:10.1016/j.jcrc.2012.10.015],[ANCHOR=],[LINK=])
The SonarMed™ airway monitoring system may help improve a clinician’s ability to manage a patient’s airway ― offering peace of mind to caregivers ― by providing precise,5,([FOOTNOTE=Withers, L, Finch, C, Jackson, J, Measuring ETT carina distance using the airwave device in patients identified as a difficult airway, 862, Critical Care Medicine: December 2014, vol 42, Issue 12 - p A1568 doi: 10.1097/01.ccm.0000458359.97855.92],[ANCHOR=],[LINK=]),([FOOTNOTE=Don C, Faulkner G. Bench study of the SonarMed airwave to detect fixed airway obstructions at varying locations within an endotracheal tube. Respiratory Care - AARC 2012. 2012;57(10):1714.],[ANCHOR=],[LINK=]) continuous, real-time monitoring of the ETT position and patency.*
Throughout the duration of an intubation, the SonarMed™ system:
Discover how the SonarMed™ system can help reduce unplanned extubations, monitor ETT movement, and optimize suctioning.
The SonarMed™ airways monitoring system connects to the ETT by replacing the 15 mm connector that attaches to the ventilator circuit. It uses acoustic reflectometry technology to emit sound waves through the ETT and then measures the sound waves as they return to the sensor.
The system analyzes the timing and amplitude of the echoes to estimate the position and patency of the tube ― providing immediate audible alerts when movement or obstructions are detected.
The easy-to-read screen displays status changes of the ETT and monitors the correction of the tube to the optimal baseline position.
Discover how SonarMed™ technology can help you gain confidence in ETT position and patency, and potentially intervene before neonate distress occurs.