Cook Medical launches Ciaglia Blue Dolphin

Cook Medical has announced the evolution of the percutaneous tracheostomy procedures with the launch of the world’s first one-step device for this procedure, the Ciaglia Blue Dolphin.

The company said the device is the first of its kind that combines balloon dilation with tracheal tube insertion, offering a smooth transition from one to the other to minimise airway leakage while optimising ventilation for the patient.

Cook said this innovation will simplify the conducting of percutaneous tracheostomy procedures, with the device designed to decrease the risk of bleeding, tracheal ring failure and posterior wall injury, the three most common immediate complications for the procedure.

Dr Jeff Phillips, consultant in intensive care medicine at Princess Alexandra Hospital in Harlow, Essex, said: “We’ve been using Blue Dolphin and have found it very simple and easy to use. It’s a natural evolution for tracheostomy devices.”

He added that the device requires minimal force during insertion, enhancing placement accuracy.

Bruce Gingles, global vice-president of the critical care strategic business unit of Cook Medical said the company has been working with doctors and surgeons since 1987 to improve the safety, convenience and economy of percutaneous tracheostomy procedures.

Earlier this month, Cook Medical completed the enrolment in its first international trial of its Zilver PTX drug-eluting peripheral stent.