NN Inc. (NSDQ:NNBR) announced that its Paragon Medical division launched an intubation shield for healthcare workers amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
The intubation shield provides a barrier between the healthcare professional and the patient during the intubation and extubation processes, reducing exposure to aerosolized airborne contaminants.
Paragon collaborated with Solvay Specialty Polymers in Alpharetta, Ga., to produce the shields with medical-grade materials designed to withstand full cleaning, disinfection and repeated autoclaving.
“I am extremely proud of the team who worked on the project. To have developed a product that contributes to the safety of the clinicians who are risking so much during this tough time is something that we take a lot of pride in,” NN life sciences group VP Rick Stetler said in a news release. “Our designers worked closely with Solvay on the selection of Udel P-1700 polysulfone (PSU), an ISO 10993 biocompatible, transparent polymer that can be repeatedly disinfected and sterilized. With their technical support and expedited lead-times on the material, the project went from concept to release in under two weeks. We are already receiving positive feedback from the field and facilities who are requesting more.”
Last week, the FDA issued emergency use authorization (EUA) for protective barrier enclosures amid concerns over transmission of COVID-19 during patient care. The authorization covers the use of devices like Paragon’s shield when caring for or performing medical procedures on COVID-19 patients (or potential patients) in healthcare settings, as it offers an extra layer of protection on top of personal protective equipment (PPE).
