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ROSWELL, Ga., Nov. 18, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- Kimberly-Clark today announced the introduction of KimVent* MICROCUFF* Subglottic Suctioning Endotracheal Tube (ETT), the first subglottic suctioning ETT to be FDA cleared for saline use providing for more effective^† clearing of potentially harmful clogs. ^1,2,3 The MICROCUFF* Subglottic ETT offers more effective^† subglottic suctioning and prevention against microaspiration. It also provides more effective^† prevention against cross-contamination to both patients and healthcare professionals. ^1,4

Suction lumens are often clogged by subglottic secretions, preventing effective suctioning and increasing the risk for infectious secretions in the lungs, a leading cause of VAP. ^5,6 MICROCUFF* Subglottic ETT features an ergonomic subglottic suction valve and integrated rinse port, enabling controlled rinsing and suctioning of the lumen in a single cycle, without the need to open the suction circuit. ¹ This unique feature provides for more effective^† clearing.¹

"Clearing subglottic lines has been a persistent problem causing many of our respiratory therapists to disconnect the line to clear it, resulting in potential secretion exposure to both patient and the respiratory therapist," said Megan Dutch Kelley, Pulmonary Services Education Coordinator at St. John Medical Center in Tulsa, Oklahoma. "The KIMBERLY-CLARK* MICROCUFF* Subglottic ETT solves this problem with a more efficient system that enables us to keep a closed system to clear the line, protecting both patient and staff from contamination."

A recent study conducted on behalf of Kimberly-Clark by Clinimark Labs found that using saline to loosen secretions and clear the lumen is both more effective^† at preventing and clearing clogs, and more efficient for suctioning secretions when compared to air bolus.³ The same study also found MICROCUFF* Subglottic ETT's unique design allows medical professionals to provide periodic saline rinsing as a preventative measure against clogging, improving suctioning effectiveness to their ventilated patients. ^1,3

The advanced cylindrical-shape of MICROCUFF* Subglottic ETT's polyurethane cuff provides a superior tracheal seal, preventing leakage up to 93%^1† and enables the use of saline. ⁷ Polyurethane cuffs prevent fluid leakage, demonstrating 93% less mircroaspiration than competitive products.^1†

"Kimberly-Clark is committed to helping our customers reduce the prevalence of Ventilator-Associated Events.  We are steadfast in our mission to help our customers improve patient care," said Chris Lowery, Vice President of Global Medical Devices, Kimberly-Clark Health Care. "The MICROCUFF* Subglottic ETT is a breakthrough in patient safety that helps to eliminate cross contamination and leakage, and for the first time enables the use of saline for clearing the lumen."

KimVent* MICROCUFF* Subglottic Suction ETT is available immediately. For further information, visit www.kchealthcare.com/products/respiratory-health

^†Result from bench top study comparing KimVent*MICROCUFF* Subglottic Suctioning ETT vs. TaperGuard™ EVAC ETT.

1. Data on file 510K Clearance K120985.
2. Data on file. Directions for Use for the Kimberly-Clark MICROCUFF Subglottic Suctioning Endotracheal Tube.
3. Data on file #R2012-040. Suction Efficiency Test for Endotracheal Tubes with a Subglottic Suction Lumen.
4. Freytag C.C., Thies F.L., Konig W., Welte, T. Infection, Clinical and Epidemiological Society. 31-2003-No.1.
5. Dragoumanis, et. al Investigating the Failure to Aspirate subglottic secretions with EVAC Endotracheal Tube Oct 2007.
6. DePew, et. al Subglottic Secretion Drainage: A Literature Review AACN V18N4 2007.
7. Lorente, et. al, Influence of an Endotracheal Tube with polyurethane cuff and subglottic secretion drainage on Pneumonia, May 2007.

About Kimberly-Clark
Kimberly-Clark Corp. (NYSE: KMB) and its well-known global brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries. Every day, nearly a quarter of the world's population trust K-C's brands and the solutions they provide to enhance their health, hygiene and well-being. With brands such as Kleenex, Scott, Huggies, Pull-Ups, Kotex and Depend, Kimberly-Clark holds the No. 1 or No. 2 share position in more than 80 countries. To keep up with the latest K-C news and to learn more about the Company's 141-year history of innovation, visit www.kimberly-clark.com or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.  

Kimberly-Clark in the Healthcare Environment
Around the world, medical professionals turn to Kimberly-Clark for a wide portfolio of solutions that improve the health, hygiene and well-being of their patients and staff. As part of their healing mission, caregivers rely on Kimberly-Clark to deliver clinical solutions, hygiene & cleaning offerings, and educational resources that they can depend on to prevent, diagnose and manage a wide variety of healthcare-associated infections. A global enterprise of more than $1 billion, Kimberly-Clark Health Care holds the No. 1 or No. 2 market share position in several categories, including infection control solutions, surgical solutions, pain management, hygiene solutions, digestive health and respiratory health. And throughout the care continuum, patients and staff alike trust Kimberly-Clark medical supplies and devices, KLEENEX tissues, KLEENEX & SCOTT skin care products and SCOTT towels for day-to-day needs. For more information, visit http://www.kchealthcare.com and http://www.kcprofessional.com.

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SOURCE Kimberly-Clark