Makeshift Solutions for Oral Secretion Management Should Be A Thing of the Past

“The patient had a diaper in his mouth.”

MED Alliance Group Sales Representative Bill Mullen explained the situation as he entered a hospital room while on an invited clinical call.

The patient, diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), a neuromuscular disease also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, struggles with swallowing, resulting in uncontrolled oral secretions.

“The excess saliva is not only a nuisance for the patient, but it can also cause all sorts of problems like frequent aspiration events and even CLABSI (central-line associated bloodstream infections) if oral secretions work their way down to the central line primary dressing.” Mullen explained.

To address the problem, clinicians placed a diaper in the patient’s mouth.

Clinicians explained they have used towels, tampons and other products to absorb oral secretions between manual suctioning with a Yankauer.

With clinical resources stretched thin, the ongoing task of manual oral secretion management becomes an operational burden that risks patient safety and workflow efficiency. Thus, staff are left to improvise.

SWIK: A New Innovative, Automated Solution for Oral Secretion Management

Mullen was at the hospital with clinical specialists to demonstrate a new solution: an automated, hands-free oral secretion management device.

SWIK is a patented, single-use, disposable device intended to manage oral secretions in the mouth without frequent intervention. SWIK includes a wicking foam that fits in the patient’s bottom gum line and manages secretions in the mouth for up to 12 hours before requiring replacement. SWIK is connected to tubing and is compatible with portable and wall-mounted suction.

“Although the patient couldn’t speak, you could certainly tell he was much more comfortable with the SWIK device in place,” said Mullen.

Clinicians were pleased to offer the patient a more dignified solution. They positively commented on the ease of use and the freedom from constant manual intervention.

In addition to assisting patients with neuromuscular disease, SWIK can also be beneficial for patient situations, such as:

• Dysphagia (Swallowing Disorder)
• Stroke
• Trauma
• Post-operative
• Non-Invasive Ventilation
• Intubated

Healthcare teams no longer need to rely on unapproved, improvised oral secretion management methods. SWIK is an innovative solution that provides patient comfort, safety, and dignity. By replacing makeshift workarounds with automated, hands-free technology, clinicians can reduce risk, improve workflow, and elevate the standard of care.

For more information or a demonstration, contact your local MED Alliance Group sales representative, call 888-891-1200 or email us.

MED Alliance Group is a medical device distributor dedicated to meeting the needs of our clinical customers and manufacturing partners since 1998. We specialize in the sales, marketing, importation, logistics and distribution of innovative, high-quality and cost-effective products found in anesthesia and respiratory, blood and transfusion therapy, EMS and emergency room, interventional radiology and cath lab, iv and vascular, as well as NICU and PICU.

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