BB MEDICAL SURGICAL, INC. — Department of Defense SBIR Phase I: AF203-CSO1

Description

Performing intubations to provide patients with mechanical ventilation is a common procedure in health care. However, intubation is a highly specialized procedure that is time-consuming, requires experience and skill, and comes with serious risks for complications. Bag-mask ventilation is a common alternative that is preferred by paramedics due to ease of use, but poses many challenges that can lead to ineffective ventilation. An adequate seal around the face is essential but is challenging and often requires both hands of the operator, so more personnel are needed. Therefore, there is a need for a method of emergency ventilation for adult patients that is safer, time-efficient, and simpler to perform. BB Medical has developed an emergency airway device (EAD) that can increase survival in adults and lead to breakthroughs in airway management. This EAD is better, safer, and easier to use than current devices on the market. BB Medical’s EAD enables the creation of an emergency airway without using endotracheal intubation (ETI), thereby avoiding serious ETI complications such as tracheal perforation. Performing the steps to administer the EAD is also time-effective, taking as little as 45-60 seconds, making the EAD a vital time- and life-saver where adult patients require ventilation immediately.