Over 4 million surgeries and bronchoscope procedures are performed each year in the United States alone which require a mechanical ventilator that utilizes an endo tracheal tube (ET-tube). It is very common for patients to bite the endo tracheal tubes while being ventilated that create complications after their surgery. In order to prevent this most hospitals use homemade bite blocks to prevent these complications. Most surgeons and surgical technicians utilize plastic syringes, or rolls of gauze, or a wooden stick with foam attached to the top (a “Lollipop”) in an attempt to prevent patients from biting the invasive equipment. It is widely recognized among clinicians that all of these homemade bite block items are primitive techniques that are most often not effective.

This invention is a patent pending soft polymer bite block device called the NU Bite Block that will eliminate all traumas to the tongue, teeth, gums, and eliminate damage to the patient due to the presence of the ET-tube and its pilot balloon. The simplicity and the ergonomic design makes this product ultra versatile. Patients prone to seizure, grossly combative patients, ER patients and long term vent patient who have tracheotomy who clinch their teeth. EMS services would benefit from this device as well. Additionally, the design of this device will benefit and protect both the patient, the ventilator equipment and insure a more successful recovery post surgical procedure.

The NU Bite Block concept is simple, cost effective, and successfully solves an important clinical need. The commercial success of this device in the medical market place is dependent only on adoption by pulmonologists, nurses and respiratory therapist who routinely care for patients on long term mechanical ventilation who want and need this improvement.

Available for Exclusive Licensing

10-02 Goldsby

None noted by inventor

File Number: 10-02 

Web site: http://www.uams.edu/bioventures

Disease: Respiratory and Pulmonary System

Other Information:

Over 4 million surgeries and bronchoscope procedures are performed each year in the United States alone which require a mechanical ventilator that utilizes an endo tracheal tube (ET-tube).