National group purchasing organization Novation awarded a new agreement to Intersurgical for its i-gel supraglottic airway management device, the company announced today.
The i-gel system uses a gel-like thermoplastic cuff to seal the pharynx and esophageal opening in adults and pediatric patients, a change from traditional devices that use air to create a seal using inflation.
The gel provides a softer closure that reduces risk to patients, especially for sore throat, dysphagia and dysphonia, according to a press release.
Intersurgical won a contract through Novation’s Innovative Technology Program, through which the GPO works with task forces to identify products that provide incremental benefits over existing technology.
More than 500 new products have been reviewed through Novation’s ITP pathway since 2003, according to a company statement.
"Whenever possible, Novation seeks to add products that advance the benefit to patient care, patient safety and health care worker safety to our portfolio as the products become available for use in the United States," Novation procurement & innovative technology director Debbie Archer said in prepared remarks. "Our Innovative Technology program allows us to take a thorough and sophisticated approach to reviewing the exciting new products entering the market, while also fully engaging hospital member input and feedback."
