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Please Note: The technology listed below is not available to the public at this time. This technology is in the early stage of research and requires further development before it is ready for the marketplace. The VA is currently in the process of identifying potential companies who may be interested in licensing and/or further developing the technology through Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRADA). Through cooperative research initiatives such as these, it is our hope and goal that commercial products will be fully developed and made available to benefit veterans and others.
VA TECHNOLOGY OPPORTUNITY BRIEF
Tracheostomy Aspiration Suction Tube (TAST)
(03-035)
OPPORTUNITY:
The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA is seeking a technology-development partner
to further develop this technology through a Cooperative Research and Development
Agreement (CRADA) to expedite bringing it to market.
BACKGROUND:
The tracheotomy is one of the most common surgical procedures performed on critically
ill patients. Approximately fifty percent of individuals who are tracheostomized
reported the incidence of dysphagia and aspirations. Complications of aspirations
include malnutrition, dehydration, and pneumonia. Several methods are currently
employed to manage aspiration and improve swallow function in tracheostomized
patients. Currently there is not an effective non-surgical method of managing
tracheostomized patients who aspirate.
The subject technology delivers a solution for an effective management of tracheostomy
patients. Although the disposable airway management devices market is mature
and saturated, opportunities exist for products that offer competitive pricing,
clinical data supporting a product's efficacy, and ease of use.
TECHNOLOGY OVERVIEW:
The TAST (Tracheostomy Aspiration Suction Tube) is designed for individuals who
require the placement of a tracheostomy tube and who present with difficulty
swallowing or dysphagia that results in aspiration. The TAST collects and drains
the aspirated material from the trachea, thus preventing it from entering the
lower airway where it may lead to respiratory complications. Additionally the
TAST provides a means to remove and clean the collection receptacle and drainage
tube used to collect and remove the aspirated material.
TECHNICAL MERIT:
The function of the TAST differs from a traditional cuffed trach tube in that
it is designed to collect and drain aspirated material from the trachea via
the trach tube. Advantages associated with the TAST design include:
- Reduces the need for short-term (NG-tube, Dobhoff tube) or long-term (PEG, J-tube, etc.) alternative feeding avenues, the complications associated with alternative feeding methods, and the need to stop PO (oral) feedings completely.
- The drainage cuff from the TAST may provide the necessary seal to prevent air from escaping through the upper airway during mechanical ventilation, thereby eliminating the need for the traditional cuff surrounding the distal end of the primary cannula. For ventilator dependent patients, the drainage cuff could easily be removed or reinserted if necessary.
- The TAST provides a valuable screening tool for determining the need for a modified barium swallow (MBS) study.
- The TAST will serve as a reliable, immediate, and objective outcome measure for assessing improvement during swallowing therapy; thereby addressing the current need in the marketplace for objective bedside swallowing measures that provide reliable data about the presence and severity of aspiration.
PATENT STATUS:
US patent issued on January 11, 2005 (6,840,242)
Federal Register: September 29, 2003 (Vol.68, No. 188) p. 56045
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Saleem Sheredos
Program Manager
Technology Transfer Program
Veterans Affairs
Office of Research & Development (12TT)
5th Floor
103 South Gay Street
Baltimore, MD 21202
202-380-5080
Fax 410.962.2141
e-mail: saleem.sheredos@va.gov