Data Confirms ISO-Gard®
Mask with ClearAir™ Technology
from Teleflex Helps Reduce WAG Exposure to PACU Nurses
WAYNE, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Apr. 29, 2014--
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.
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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.
Source: Teleflex Incorporated
Teleflex Incorporated
MEDIA CONTACT:
Christianna Vance,
919-433-4809
Sr. Marketing Manager
Anesthesia & Respiratory
Division
or
INVESTOR CONTACT:
Jake Elguicze,
610-948-2836
Treasurer and Vice President, Investor Relations