Healthcare professionals have long relied on medical tape and fasteners to secure endotracheal tubes, but these traditional methods consistently fall short and contribute to preventable complications including pressure injuries, tube dislodgement, and barriers to effective oral care.
Today, Surgicure introduces the HORSESHOE™, a patient-centered innovation in endotracheal tube securement.
Co-developed with two U.S. Army Respiratory Therapists who identified the limitations of existing methods, this novel patented solution addresses clinical challenges that have persisted in respiratory care for decades.
The numbers tell the story:
121,000 unplanned extubations occur annually across medical facilities, with 30% resulting in preventable complications and $5 billion in annual healthcare costs stemming from these incidents
Medical device-related pressure injuries account for over 30% of all hospital-acquired pressure injuries
Ventilator-associated pneumonia affects up to 40% of ventilated patients, extending stays by 28 days and adding $47,000 per case
Traditional securement methods fail because moisture and secretions cause tape to loosen, aggressive adhesives damage skin, and overtightening creates pressure injuries, especially at the mouth corners.
The HORSESHOE™ takes a fundamentally different approach with its unique off-the-face horseshoe-shaped design that enhances patient safety and comfort.
The device leverages natural jaw biomechanics instead of external pressure or adhesives. The nervous system continuously sends low-level signals to jaw-closing muscles, even during relaxation. When the HORSESHOE™'s molar props are positioned between molars, this natural reflex automatically secures the device in place.
Prevents unplanned extubations and tube dislodgement
Eliminates facial pressure injuries
Enhances comfort while maintaining tube stability
Facilitates comprehensive oral care without compromising airway security
Accommodates various patient positions
Healthcare professionals benefit from practical features that address real-world challenges:
Simple application and removal procedures
Easy tube repositioning
Enhanced access for oral care
Replaces multiple standard devices
Integrates into existing protocols
Standardizes care across diverse patient populations
Reduces time spent managing avoidable complications
The HORSESHOE™ is constructed from biocompatible materials that have undergone ISO 10993 testing for prolonged mucosal contact. These materials are softer and more flexible than most dentures while remaining latex-free and non-cytotoxic.
We are thrilled with the initial positive feedback we’ve received from clinicians and hospitals alike. Healthcare professionals appreciate the device's intuitive design, ease of use, and ability to address longstanding care challenges. Clinicians particularly appreciated the thoughtful evolution in design that takes the approach of working with natural jaw mechanics rather than against them.
Surgicure's development of the HORSESHOE™ reflects our commitment to advancing patient care through collaborative innovation. We work closely with healthcare providers, researchers, and developers to turn clinical insights into practical solutions.
By listening to frontline clinicians and translating their insights into actionable solutions, we've created a device that addresses genuine clinical needs. As healthcare evolves, innovations like the HORSESHOE™ will play an increasingly important role in improving patient outcomes while supporting cost-effective care.
The HORSESHOE™ marks an important step forward in endotracheal tube securement. For thousands of patients requiring breathing support daily, and for the dedicated healthcare professionals who care for them, this device offers hope for safer, more effective treatment outcomes.
We're proud to contribute to raising the standard of care for respiratory patients, one patient at a time.
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