New Study Evaluates Waste Anesthetic Gases in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit
April 29 2014 - 7:00AM
Business Wire
Data Confirms ISO-Gard® Mask
with ClearAir™ Technology from Teleflex Helps Reduce
WAG Exposure to PACU Nurses
Teleflex Incorporated (NYSE: TFX): A study published in the
Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing (JOPAN) documents occupational
exposure to waste anesthetic gases (WAG) in the post-anesthesia
care unit (PACU) may be higher than standards recommend. The study
evaluated and demonstrated that perianesthesia nurses are exposed
to significantly less WAG when patients wear a new,
first-of-its-kind scavenging mask, the ISO-Gard Mask with ClearAir
Technology from Teleflex, versus a standard cannula or face
tent.
Advances in infrared videography enable visualization of
possible WAG in the PACU for the first time. Using this innovative
technology, a pilot study correlated video from an infrared camera
with quantitative data from an IR spectrophotometer to evaluate the
effectiveness of a new scavenging system, the ISO-Gard Mask with
ClearAir Technology, to control WAG in the PACU.
“The scavenging system (the ISO-Gard Mask from Teleflex) used in
our published study at a Midwest hospital showed significant
reductions in nitrous oxide and sevoflurane in the PACU,” said
James D. McGlothlin, MPH, Ph.D., CPE. “I was not surprised by this
as the mask is well designed in form and function. What did
surprise me was the accumulation of nitrous oxide and sevoflurane
in this PACU as the day progressed when this scavenging system was
not used. Based on the data we have at hand, it is good practice
and policy to control Waste Anesthetic Gases at their source – the
patient. The ISO-Gard Mask appears to do just that.”
The study found that:
- WAG in the PACU can and does exceed the
National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)
recommended exposure limits (RELs) within the work area of PACU
nurses.
- Nurses experienced significantly lower
exposure to nitrous oxide and sevoflurane when patients wore the
ISO-Gard Mask with ClearAir Technology versus patients wearing only
a nasal cannula or face tent.
- At both six inches and three feet from
the patient, a statistically significant difference in exposure was
recorded for nitrous oxide and sevoflurane. Average exposure to
nitrous oxide was approximately 2.9 times greater at six inches
from the patient’s mouth and nose and 1.6 times greater at three
feet for the nurses of patients in the control group than for the
nurses of patients wearing the ISO-Gard Mask.
- Similar results were observed for
sevoflurane, with average exposure approximately 2.7 times greater
at six inches and 1.3 times greater at three feet for the control
group than for those patients wearing the ISO-Gard Mask.
- For both nitrous oxide and sevoflurane,
the highest exposure was within the first five minutes of the
patient being transferred to the PACU, which is when PACU nurses
deliver the most direct patient care and are closest to their
patient's breathing zones.
- All patients still had WAG readings at
the end of the 40-minute recording period.
Based on study findings, investigators state that along with
engineering controls and best work practices, personal protective
equipment, such as the ISO-Gard Mask, can be used to control WAG in
the PACU, thereby promoting a safer work environment for PACU
nurses.1
“The ISO-Gard Mask with ClearAir Technology exemplifies
Teleflex's dedication to solving unmet medical needs and delivering
positive outcomes for clinicians and patients through
Purpose-Driven Innovation,” said Cary Vance, President of the
Teleflex Anesthesia and Respiratory Division. “Because the
patient's exhalation is the primary source of WAG in the PACU,
limiting it can be difficult. Today, the ISO-Gard Mask is the only
solution available for 'source control' of WAG in the PACU.”
The study is available at
http://www.jopan.org/article/S1089-9472(14)00029-X/abstract.
For more information on WAG and the ISO-Gard Mask with ClearAir
Technology, please visit https://www.theinvisiblerisk.org/.
About Teleflex Incorporated
Teleflex is a leading global provider of specialty medical
devices for a range of procedures in critical care, urology and
surgery. Our mission is to provide solutions that enable healthcare
providers to improve outcomes and enhance patient and provider
safety. Headquartered in Wayne, PA, Teleflex employs approximately
11,400 people worldwide and serves healthcare providers in more
than 150 countries. Additional information about Teleflex can be
obtained from the company's website at teleflex.com.
Forward-Looking Statements
Any statements contained in this press release that do not
describe historical facts may constitute forward-looking
statements. Any forward-looking statements contained herein are
based on our management's current beliefs and expectations, but are
subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and changes in
circumstances, which may cause actual results or company actions to
differ materially from what is expressed or implied by these
statements. These risks and uncertainties are identified and
described in more detail in our filings with the Securities and
Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K.
The study was funded in part by a grant from Teleflex. A
pre-market version of the ISO-Gard Mask was studied. The IRB study
was not an outcome study to support an FDA submission.
Teleflex, ClearAir and ISO-Gard are trademarks or registered
trademarks of Teleflex Incorporated or its affiliates.© 2014
Teleflex Incorporated. All rights reserved. 2014-2919
Reference:1. McGlothlin JD, Moenning JE, Cole, SS. Evaluation
and Control of Waste Anesthetic Gases in the Postanesthesia Care
Unit. Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing, published online 14 April
2014. Available at: www.jopan.org.
Teleflex IncorporatedMEDIA CONTACT:Christianna Vance,
919-433-4809Sr. Marketing ManagerAnesthesia & Respiratory
DivisionorINVESTOR CONTACT:Jake Elguicze,
610-948-2836Treasurer and Vice President, Investor Relations
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