Smiths Medical Releases New Tracheostomy Tubes in Europe

Smiths Medical, a British medical device manufacturer with U.S. offices in Dublin, Ohio, has launched its Portex Blue Line Ultra tracheostomy tubes with thin-walled inner cannulae for adult patients in the European Union. The new thinner inner cannulae walls allow increased respiratory airflow and help improve the patient’s work of breathing while maintaining patency and airway hygiene, the company claims.

Tracheostomy tubes with small outer diameters are easier to insert into a patient’s trachea and remove through the stoma, but smaller tubes often have too small of an inner diameter to allow enough airflow for the patient. The new thinner inner cannulae walls of the Blue Line Ultra tubes allow patients to have up to a 19 percent increase in airflow without changing their ease of insertion since the outer diameter of the tubes is the same, according to company officials.

“We are pleased to offer this improved device as part of our Blue Line Ultra® tracheostomy product portfolio,” said Tommy Johns, vice president global product management. “Smiths Medical is committed to creating products, which help healthcare professionals meet the needs of patients with greater effectiveness and overall comfort.”

Blue Line Ultra tracheostomy tubes are made from thermo-sensitive material, which offers initial rigidity for insertion and conforms to the patient’s upper respiratory tract at body temperature. They include an optional Soft-Seal cuff designed to reduce bulk and help smooth transition of the tracheostomy tube through the stoma. They are also available with suction above the cuff to help remove pooled secretions and reduce the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia.

Portex Blue Line Ultra tracheostomy tubes are available separately for surgical placement, in tube kits to help patient care, and in percutaneous tracheostomy kits which can be used for both in-patient and out-patient settings.

Portex Blue Line Ultra thin-walled inner cannulae are now available in Europe and will be available in other markets later this year.