The startup has developed a medical support device that applies upward pressure to the soft tissue at the base of the mouth to restore the internal anatomical shape during ventilation with a laryngeal mask. This technology minimizes air leakage, thereby reducing the risk to patients during anesthesia procedures.
Funding
$770K raised to dateRaised to date based on public sources. This may differ from the amount the company actually raised and is based only on what is publicly available on the internet.
Founders
Product
Problem
During ventilation with a supraglottic airway device (SAD), air leakage due to an incomplete mask seal can occur in 10% of cases, especially in elderly, obese, or edentulous patients with divergent anatomy, leading to insufficient oxygen supply or insufflation of air into the stomach. Current interventions, such as changing the size or type of SAD or intubation, can interrupt ventilation, risk unexpected difficult airways, critical oxygen shortage, and potential damage to the larynx, pharynx, vocal cords, teeth, and trachea.
Solution
LarynxLock is a single-use medical device designed to reduce patient risk by addressing air leakage during ventilation with a SAD. The device applies upward pressure to the soft tissue at the base of the mouth, restoring the internal anatomical shape and improving the mask seal. LarynxLock consists of a specially designed "pusher" that lifts the weak part of the floor of the mouth to stop the leakage and a headband that holds the pusher in the correct position, preserving the chosen airway management. It offers a quicker and lower-cost alternative to changing the SAD or intubating, while maintaining full control and avoiding unexpected difficult airways.
Target Audience
The primary users are anesthesiologists seeking to improve patient safety and reduce complications associated with air leakage during ventilation with supraglottic airway devices, particularly in elderly, obese, and edentulous patients.
Features
- Applies upward pressure to the soft tissue of the bottom of the mouth to restore anatomical shape.
- Includes a specially designed pusher to lift the floor of the mouth and stop leakage.
- Features a headband to hold the pusher in the correct position.
- Designed for single-use to minimize environmental impact and ensure patient safety.
- Offers a solution that is quicker to use than changing the SAD or intubating.
- Aims to reduce the cost of materials used in the operating room compared to intubation.