FUJIFILM SonoSite, Vivid Medical to Provide Access to Video Intubation System

FujiFilm SonoSite Inc. and Vivid Medical Inc. are joining forces to co-promote and provide access to the VividTrac Video Intubation Device, a product bill as the world’s first and only single-use, “open access” video intubation device with a USB interface that connects easily to various display options. By plugging the VividTrac device into a compatible system, clinicians will have access to high-resolution video intubation to enhance patient safety and care.

“There is significant clinical evidence supporting the speed and accuracy benefits of video intubation,” FujiFilm SonoSite President/ CEO Kevin M. Goodwin said. “However, due to the limited number of available video intubation systems in some hospitals and clinics, video intubation is typically reserved for only the most difficult cases. By adding VividTrac’s ‘plug-and-play’ intubation capabilities to our portfolio of point-of-care medical tools, clinicians will have access to new visualization technologies that will help reduce risk and contribute to better and more affordable health care.”

Developed by Vivid Medical, the pocket-sized, single-use VividTrac device delivers a consistently high and reliable performance. With a built-in anti-fogging lens and magnified field of view, it provides clear, high-resolution images for accurate tube placement and high rates of first-pass intubation success, company executives claim. This is particularly important during emergency situations where every second is critical. And, because VividTrac is a single-use device with an integrated endotracheal tube channel, no subsequent sterilization or special capital equipment purchase is required.

“The ability to see what you’re doing helps reduce complications associated with the traditional direct approach of intubating,” said
Mina Farr, Vivid Medical CEO and an expert in both opto-electronics and optical systems. “Because it helps deliver better patient outcomes, I feel all patients should be intubated with the assistance of video. We designed VividTrac to address the high cost of ownership associated with video options available on the market today.”

Currently able to integrate with a variety of display options, VividTrac’s architecture is being modified to enable its compatibility with SonoSite ultrasound systems. Because both video airway management and ultrasound play an important role in resuscitation, the convergence of these technologies has been applauded by customers shown demonstrations of VividTrac linked with SonoSite systems while still a work in progress. “Based upon this overwhelming feedback,” said Goodwin, “we envision that many SonoSite ultrasound systems could be upgraded in the future to provide further access to video intubation. One of our ultimate goals is to achieve integration on all our devices.”

VividTrac is now available in the United States through SonoSite.

FujiFilm SonoSite Inc. develops bedside, point-of-care ultrasound, and ultra high-frequency micro-ultrasound technology. Headquartered near Seattle, Wash., the company is represented by 26 subsidiaries and a global distribution network in over 100 countries. 

FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation of Tokyo, Japan, develops and markets electronic imaging, digital printing equipment, medical systems, life sciences, graphic arts, flat panel display materials, and office products. 

Vivid Medical was founded by Mina Farr in 2007 as a medical technology company that develops open system medical instruments  compatible with current digital environment and standards. The firm is based in Palo Alto, Calif.