April 8, 2008 – Draeger said today it offers a wide product range of disposable products for equipping its ventilators to help prevent avoid cross-contamination leading to ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), one of the most serious emerging nosocomial infections.
Nosocomial infections constitute a major health problem throughout the world. Besides increased morbidity and mortality, they are also a cause of prolonged hospital stays and higher costs. Approximately one third of all nosocomial infections are considered preventable. In the U.S. alone nosocomial infections contribute to more than 88,000 deaths annually. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) refers in its 2007 report to 3 million healthcare-associated infections in Europe per year. All these infections, defined as infections caused by micro-organism during the stay in a hospital or any other medical institution, mean a burden for the patient, but also for the budget.
Both in the U.S. and in Europe VAP represents one of the most common nosocomial infections for the intensive care patient. Several studies provide evidence of the negative effects of VAP, including the average duration of mechanical ventilation is increased by 9.6 additional days, average length of ICU stay is prolonged by 4.3 to 6.1 days, and average length of hospitalization is prolonged by 4 to 9 days. Mortality rates are up to 71 percent if VAP is not treated promptly, the studied showed, and patients acquiring VAP have poorer outcomes. In terms of economic effects treatment costs are increased by about $40,000 per case.
Studies show when it comes to fighting VAP the creation and adoption of preventive strategies has a high priority. Preventive strategies include the maintenance and care of the artificial airway and especially the focus on prevention of cross contamination. Although there are routine procedures in use to disinfect respiratory equipment, VAP still continues to complicate the course of patients who receive mechanical ventilation, the studies showed. To focus on the prevention of cross-contamination the studies suggest using disposable respiratory accessories.
Draeger’s proprietary products such as disposable Expiration Valve, CO2 Cuvette and Flow Sensor in combination with circuits (VentStar), filters/HMEs (TwinStar), and NIV masks (ClassicStar) provide a compatible solution with Draeger ventilation devices.
For more information: www.draeger.com