Medline has enhanced its VAPrevent oral care program, which was created to help clinicians complete oral care on ventilated patients to reduce the risk of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP).
A major cause of VAP is oral bacteria that thrive in dental plaque and oropharyngeal secretions, making their way into the lungs by way of a mechanical ventilator. To prevent VAP, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends cleaning the inside of the patient's mouth on a regular basis.
Medline's newly designed system features a dispensing mechanism that contains individual procedure kits designed to make it easier to perform around-the-clock oral care on ventilated patients.
New features in Medline's enhanced VAPrevent oral care kit include the following:
- Chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) pharmacy packs
- Ergonomic suction handle
- Connectors swivel to stop hose kinks and maintain strong suction
- Thumb-port adapter converts straight suction tools to on/off tools
- Solid-board outer packaging now compatible with corrugate-free environments
