May 10, 2021 – Medtronic plc (Dublin, Ireland) announced the U.S. commercial launch of the SonarMed airway monitoring system.
The SonarMed airway monitoring system uses acoustic technology to check for endotracheal tube (ETT) obstruction and verify position in real-time, giving clinicians vital information required to make more informed, life-saving decisions for their smallest patients.
The SonarMed airway monitoring system includes a bedside monitor and single-use sensor. The SonarMed sensor fits any brand of standard endotracheal tube (ETT) in sizes ranging from neonatal to pediatric populations (2.5 mm–6.0mm ID) and attaches noninvasively to the proximal end of the ETT by replacing the 15-mm connector within the ventilator circuit. The SonarMed monitor incorporates an easy-to-read color screen that can display any change in ETT status.
The company says that the system is the first and only FDA-cleared airway monitoring system that provides timely notifications and specific measurements that help enable a coordinated response to address potentially critical events such as ETT movement and migration.
“Our goal with introducing the SonarMed technology is to help solve a clinical need to reduce the number of unplanned extubations to help these vulnerable patients start their lives in the healthiest way,” said Ariel MacTavish, president of the Respiratory Interventions business, which is part of the Medical Surgical Portfolio at Medtronic.
SonarMed, which was acquired by Medtronic in December 2020, specializes in developing solutions that increase patient safety while significantly decreasing healthcare costs.
“With Medtronic’s extensive market presence, clinical leadership, and market development expertise, coupled with SonarMed’s innovative technology, we are confident that together, we can potentially help save the lives of thousands of infants,” said Tom Bumgardner, strategic planning program director, Medtronic Respiratory Interventions, and former SonarMed CEO.