Novel Device Prevents Pneumonia Due to Gastric Reflux

The LunGuard is based on a disposable peristaltic feeding tube (PFT) with inflatable balloons that works by mimicking the physiology of the natural peristaltic mechanism of the esophagus, receiving saliva as it goes down, but preventing reflux from going back up the esophagus and causing aspiration into the lungs. To prevent reflux and infection, the feed rate is set at a moderate pace, which is often slower than what a patient actually needs. The system is comprised of two parts; a central monitoring unit (CMU) that controls the PFT's balloons activity, inflating and deflating them, thus keeping the correct amount of pressure at all times; and the PFT itself.

The PFT is composed of three inflatable balloons in a row situated close to the sphincter at its end. After insertion, the three balloons inflate, thereby sealing off the esophagus preventing reflux from rising. The peristaltic tube, in addition to its blockage capabilities, is used as continuous esophagus motion sensor, with self-adjustment algorithm that makes the optimal balance between maximum efficacy and optimal safety pressures on the internal esophagus tissues. When liquids coming down the esophagus (such as saliva), the PFT's peristaltic mechanism drives the liquid down into the stomach, while at the same time prohibiting stomach content from rising up. The device is also expected to lower significantly the occurrence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) in ventilated patients. The LunGuard device is under development by LunGuard (Omer, Israel).

"Our solution can give information about peristaltic motion and the sphincter at the entrance of the stomach,” said Ofer Pintel, founder and CEO of LunGuard. "We know that secretions crawl up to the respiration tract. Our solution prevents reflux continuously, and it's safe. We are not just blocking the esophagus, but use a unique motion and balloons and a special feeding technology.”

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