Humidification reduces VAP
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June 2010
Technologists working at CAMBRIDGE DESIGN PARTNERSHIP (CDP) have made a breakthrough with Hydrator, a new humidification technology which is aimed at reducing Ventilator Associated Pneumonia (VAP).
Dr Gilbert Park, at the John Farman ICU at Addenbrooke’s, is the lead clinical expert on the project. He explained: “A high proportion of the patients in intensive care need assistance with breathing. Normally as you breathe the air is warmed and humidified by the nose. However, for a patient on a mechanical ventilator this happens artificially, resulting in pools of condensation forming in the tubes. If colonised by bacteria, these can lead to VAP. The challenge is to find a way to warm and humidify the air without the potential for bacterial growth. The team at CDP have developed a new way of achieving this and we are excited about its potential.” Existing active humidifiers add water to the inspired air, but bacteria grow in the condensation and can cause VAP. Hydrator works by preventing condensation in the breathing circuits and, unlike existing active humidifiers, incorporates a filter which contains the harmful bacteria.
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