ROSWELL, Ga., July 13, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Marking a significant advance in the fight against Ventilator-associated Pneumonia (VAP), Kimberly-Clark Health Care today announced its launch of KimVent Multi-Access Port (MAP) Closed Suction Systems. The new system features a compact rotating manifold with multi-access ports, allowing clinicians to perform suctioning and other procedures, such as bronchoalveolar lavage, bronchoscopy or MDI drug delivery, while maintaining a closed ventilator circuit.

Designed in collaboration with respiratory therapists, the KimVent Multi-Access Port (MAP) Closed Suction System addresses requirements for VAP prevention best practices from the American Association for Respiratory Care (AARC) as the system maintains a closed ventilator circuit while allowing for multiple procedures to take place. In addition, the system provides a suction capability with a completely closed airway circuit, thus preventing dangerous environmental contaminants that could potentially cause VAP, enhancing care for both the patient and the caregiver. It also fulfills recommendations as part of a VAP prevention bundle strategy.

"Kimberly-Clark is the long-time leader in the closed suction catheter space, and the KimVent Multi-Access Port (MAP) Closed Suction Systems represents an important evolutionary extension in our ability to help clinicians provide the best possible care to patients," said David Parks, General Manager, Kimberly-Clark Health Care. "The new rotating manifold is a real breakthrough for patient safety in that it allows for the replacement of a catheter without opening the vent circuit, keeping the patient on the ventilator at all times while decreasing the risks of cross-contamination, a potential source for VAP."

Important New Features Enable "Always-Closed" Circuit

Key features of the KimVent Multi-Access Port (MAP) Closed Suction and the MAP Catheter include:

• New rotating manifold remains in place for the life of the ventilator circuit, allowing for replacement of the catheter without opening the vent circuit.
• Lock mechanism that locks the catheter into the manifold and stays connected, clean and isolated, and the new sleeve tether prevents the over-retraction of the suction catheter.
• Ability to perform multiple procedures.

About Ventilator-associated Pneumonia (VAP)

VAP is a healthcare-associated infection (HAI) predominantly found in hospital intensive care units. Experts say that VAP affects between eight and 28 percent of patients who receive mechanical ventilation for at least 48 hours. VAP also imposes a significant financial burden, with some studies estimating the per-case cost of VAP from $20,000 to $40,000. VAP increases ICU stays by 4 to 6 days, contributing to the high cost and toll it can take on patients, hospitals and the healthcare system. The mortality rate attributed to VAP is estimated to be from 20 percent to as high as 33 percent.  

To learn more about closed suction systems or for more information about any of the solutions in the VAP bundle, please visit: www.kchealthcare.com/VAP

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 and educational resources that they can depend on to prevent, diagnose and manage a wide variety of healthcare-associated infections. This more than $1 billion global enterprise of Kimberly-Clark Corporation holds the No. 1 or No. 2 market share position in several categories, including infection control solutions, surgical solutions, pain management and digestive health. And throughout the care continuum, patients and staff alike trust Kimberly-Clark medical supplies and devices, KLEENEX tissues, KIMBERLY-CLARK PROFESSIONAL skin care products and SCOTT towels for day-to-day needs. For more information, visit http://www.kchealthcare.com.

SOURCE Kimberly-Clark