Bite Hero: Endotracheal Tube Bite Guard and Fixation

In Intensive Care Units (ICUs), 3.75 million patients are on mechanical ventilation for respiratory support through an Endotracheal (ET) tube. Given the ET tube runs through the mouth to reach the trachea, it can be accidentally and involuntarily occluded by biting. This compromises the function of the ET tube in maintaining respiratory exchange. Currently, the design and use of ET tube bite blocks/guards and their fixation contributes to pressure ulcers of the cheeks, lips, gums, and tongue and teeth damage. Thus, we developed the Bite Hero, a novel ET bite block and fixation system that eliminates dental and oral trauma, has an efficient installation/removal process, and is cost effective for hospitals while still performing its clinical function.