LeaFix
LeaFix™ (Laryngeal Endo-Tracheal Airway Fixator) is manufactured in the UK and is designed to standardise the practice of airway securement in Anaesthesia, leading to reduced infection and injury risks.
CODE
01-5000
FSM85034
DESCRIPTION
Leafix Airway Securing Device
NHS Supply Code
UNIT
Box of 100
Designed with People in Mind
Historically, securing airways in theatres has been a grey area. Most professionals will use tape to secure the airway, however, as this is not designed for the purpose, it leads to several problems and no standardised method of securing airways. The multi-purpose tape is a cross-infection risk – it is used for many different needs and often picks up a lot of bacteria and pathogens during the typical lifespan and not suitable for Operating Theatres where the highest level of infection control is needed. Additionally, tape is not specifically designed to stick to the skin for any length of time and can cause injury when applying and removing. The image above shows a typical Anaesthetic trolley containing several pieces of equipment such as LMA, Laryngoscope, Syringe etc; the only reusable item is a roll of tape used to secure the airway!
The Problem
Innovel ltd as part of the Pentland Medical group recently conducted a survey and focus group into the issue of Airway securement in Operating theatres for the UK market the findings can be found here (link to the findings report). Leafix was developed by two healthcare professionals working in Theatres. They realised that using tape for this purpose was problematic for many reasons. However, when they went looking for solutions that would resolve the problem they found nothing that would work within an acceptable price range. At this point, they began working on their own solution. Davies et al found in 2014 that, due to increased resistance to inadvertent extubation forces via a maximised adhesive surface area, the most secure method of fixing the airway was to tape to the mandible and the maxilla. This was taken into account during the design process of Leafix and found to be accurate – securing the airway device to both the maxillary and mandibular borders is superior to all other taping methods. Therefore, the Leafix has been designed in a way to facilitate this practice and standardise the best possible method of fixing the airway.
Background
& Research
The Solution
Leafix is specifically designed with airway securement in mind. It is single patient-use, reduces waste and has a specially formulated gentle adhesive for maximum patient comfort and reduced risk of injury. Leafix simplifies the airway securement process and reduces the risk of errors and even airway dislodgement. Use of general purpose rolls of tape to secure cannula’s, nasogastric tubes or to protect patients eyes during Anaesthesia is declining in favour of dedicated products fit for purpose. The Leafix goal is to eradicate the use of tape for airway securement.
Current Practices
Tape, Adhesive, or Twill Securement.
The first category of securement practices utilizes tape. Cotton twill tape is “tied” around the endotracheal tube and then anchored around the patient’s neck. Adhesive tape is adhered to the patient’s cheeks or wrapped around the patient’s neck.
Commercial Device Securement
The second category of securement practices utilizes commercial devices specifically designed to secure endotracheal tubes via any one of a number of mechanical methods that grip, squeeze, or adhere to the tube while also facilitating ease of application and improved oral care while minimizing pressure-induced skin and oral mucosa injuries. Device effectiveness is typically measured by its ability to hold the endotracheal tube in place against the greatest amount of force, ease of application, and the ability to minimize pressure damage the device causes to oral mucosa, lips, and facial skin (20,22).
