The Problem
Two classes of airway devices support general anesthesia: endotracheal tubes (ETT) and supraglottic devices (SD).
Neither are designed to support unique challenges during flexible bronchoscopy (FB):
- FB via these devices often encounter resistance and ventilation difficulties secondary to unsuitable airway-to-bronchoscope diameter (ABD) ratios and device buckling, requiring lubricants and oral devices to avoid bronchoscope damage.
- SD require multiple sizes to ensure optimal fit and airway seal. Occasionally, poor seals require intubations with ETT.
- Interruptions of procedures related to disconnections of proximal ETT connectors (during bronchoscope manipulations).
Neither offers an all inclusive safe and efficient method for intubation, ventilation and recovery supporting rigid bronchoscopy (RB):
• RB intubation relies on operator’s competence to avoid airway injury, requiring adjunct devices and techniques for protection and optimization of oxygenation/ventilation.
• 67% of anesthesia providers place recovery airways (i.e., ETT or SDs) for respiratory recovery once RB¹
The Solution
The NuMatuSeal Design features overcome these challenges during all bronchoscopy (i.e., diagnostic, therapeutic, flexible or rigid) and is a universal size supporting general anesthesia cases.
- Larger lumen: improved ABD minimize ventilatory challenges; obviates lubricant requirements.
- Anti-buckle lumen: avoids resistance.
- O-ring and balloon minimize ventilatory leaks and avoids multiple device sizes.
- Esophageal balloon minimizes aspiration risks.
- Teeth and oro/hypopharyngeal protection during RB intubation.
- Eliminates complimentary devices: i.e., teeth guard, nose clip, gauze packing.
- Direct alignment with vocal cords: facilitates RB intubation.
- Distal outlet matches physiologic “flow limiting segment” of vocal cords.
- Recovery support: upon withdrawal of rigid bronchope.
- “Wing Anchor”: Stabilization anchors.
- Suction access: oropharyngeal secretion clearance.
