November 1, 2024
Asahi Kasei Medical Co., Ltd.
Asahi Kasei Medical Co., Ltd. Announces Launch of "TrachFlush® in Japan"
Asahi Kasei Medical Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; President: Ken Shinnomiya, hereinafter referred to as "Asahi Kasei Medical") is pleased to announce the completion of the notification of the "TrachFlush®" endotracheal tube cuff inflator (hereafter "TrachFlush") developed by AW Technologies Aps (Head Office: Nørresundby, Denmark; CEO: Adam Hansen), and will commence sales in Japan.※1
During mechanical ventilation through endotracheal intubation or tracheotomy, which is performed when breathing function is severely reduced and adequate self-breathing is not possible, tracheal suctioning is conducted to maintain and improve airway patency. TrachFlush is an innovative medical device expected to reduce the discomfort of patients and the burden of healthcare providers in tracheal suctioning.
TrachFlush
Airflow in the airway during the quick deflate/inflate
While tracheal suctioning is an essential care practice, it is recognized as invasive and a source of discomfort for patients.※2 To address this challenge, TrachFlush is equipped with a "cuff pressure maintenance function", aimed at preventing the aspiration of substances or secretions into the lungs, as well as an innovative mechanism designed for minimally invasive and simple airway clearance, featuring a "quick cuff deflation/inflation function". This function, synchronized with the ventilator, rapidly deflates/inflates the cuff during the inspiratory cycle to produce a flow towards the oral cavity within the airway, assisting in the management of secretions such as sputum. Clinical studies targeting patients undergoing mechanical ventilation have reported a reduction in the required frequency of tracheal suctioning.※3, 4
Asahi Kasei Medical remains committed to providing a variety of solutions to patients requiring intensive care and the healthcare professionals supporting them.
※1: Press Release “Asahi Kasei Medical and AW Technologies enter exclusive distribution agreement for TrachFlush in Japan”
※2: Committee of Safety Measures and Crisis Management, Japanese Society of Respiratory Care Medicine: The clinical practice guidelines on tracheal suctioning 2023 (3rd edition); for adults with artificial airway. The Japanese Journal of Respiratory Care 2024; 41:1-47
※3: Nielsen et al, Efficacy of an Automated Secretion Removal Technology at Different
Inspiratory Pressures. Respir Care 2023;68(11):1502–1509.
※4: Sinnige et al, A Prospective, Longitudinal Study Evaluating the Efficacy of an Automated Secretion Removal Technology. Respir Care 2024;69(8):931–936.
About AW Technologies ApS
AW Technologies is a Danish medical device company, established in 2018, focused on developing disruptive and innovative airway management solutions for mechanically ventilated patients in the ICU, including TrachFlush. For further information, please visit www.trachflush.com and www.awtechnologies.dk.
