Filtro HMEF con Tubo de Extensión Desechable para Circuito Respiratorio

A catheter mount is a small but critical patient-end connector in anesthesia and respiratory care. It sits between the breathing circuit and the airway device — endotracheal tube, laryngeal mask or breathing filter. The HMEF Filter with Catheter Mount combines this flexible connection function with heat and moisture exchange (HME) and bacteria-virus filtration (BFE/VFE) in a single integrated device, eliminating the need to connect the filter separately.

What does this device do in the breathing circuit?

In a standard anesthesia or ICU ventilation setup, the breathing circuit connects the machine to the patient's airway. Between the circuit and the airway device, there is typically a short flexible connector — the catheter mount — that allows the circuit to be positioned without pulling on the endotracheal tube or laryngeal mask. Without it, any movement of the circuit or the patient could stress the airway device and risk accidental extubation.

The HMEF version adds integrated filtration and passive humidification. Exhaled air passes through the filter medium, depositing heat and moisture. On the next breath, inhaled gas is warmed and humidified before reaching the airway. This passive heat and moisture exchange reduces airway drying during ventilation and provides a barrier against bacteria and viral contamination of the circuit.

Components and design features

• Integrated HMEF filter element: Provides passive heat and moisture exchange (HME) plus bacterial and viral filtration. Typical specifications: BFE ≥ 99.99%, VFE ≥ 99.99%, dead space ≤ 30 ml, flow resistance < 2.5 cmH₂O at 60 L/min.
• Corrugated or expandable catheter mount tube: Flexible tube typically 10–20 cm long. The corrugated or expandable design allows length adjustment and absorbs positioning movements without transmitting force to the airway.
• Swivel elbow: Single or double swivel elbow allows the circuit to rotate at the patient end without twisting the tube. Double swivel models allow 360° rotation in two independent axes — essential in surgical procedures where patient positioning changes.
• Standard 15mm/22mm connectors: Compatible with all standard anesthesia and ventilation systems. The patient-end connector fits standard endotracheal tube adaptors; the circuit-end connector fits standard breathing circuit Y-pieces.
• Optional gas sampling port (Luer): For continuous CO₂ monitoring or anesthesia gas analysis without breaking the circuit.
• Optional suction port with flip-top cap: Allows suctioning of secretions without disconnecting the circuit — critical in ICU patients.

Clinical applications

Anesthesia surgery: The HMEF catheter mount is the preferred patient-end connector in general anesthesia procedures. It protects the breathing machine from patient secretions, provides passive humidification during the procedure and allows the circuit to be positioned freely without risk of accidental extubation.

ICU and mechanical ventilation: For short to medium-term mechanical ventilation (up to 24–48 hours depending on the filter specification and clinical protocol). Provides passive humidification without the cost and complexity of an active heated humidifier. Simplifies circuit setup and reduces the total number of components.

Emergency respiratory support: Fast setup in emergency intubation. One device provides connection, humidification and filtration simultaneously, reducing setup time.

Pediatric use: Pediatric configurations with reduced dead space (≤ 20 ml) and lighter weight are available. Dead space is particularly important in neonatal and pediatric patients where it can affect ventilation efficiency.

Selection guide for distributors and hospital buyers

When ordering HMEF catheter mounts for hospital tender or distributor stock, these are the key specification points to confirm:

• Dead space (ml): Should be ≤ 30 ml for adults. For pediatric, request ≤ 20 ml models. Excessive dead space increases CO₂ rebreathing.
• Flow resistance (cmH₂O at 60 L/min): Should be < 2.5 cmH₂O to avoid increasing work of breathing.
• BFE/VFE (%): Request test data. Reputable manufacturers provide EN 13328 or ASTM F2101 test certificates. Minimum acceptable: BFE 99% and VFE 99%.
• DEHP-free: For pediatric and long-term use, confirm the PVC components are DEHP-free (phthalate-free).
• Gas sampling port: Standard (always included) or on request. Confirm Luer lock or Luer slip depending on the monitor used.
• Tube type: Corrugated (fixed length), expandable (adjustable) or smoothbore (lower resistance). For ICU, corrugated or expandable is preferred for positioning flexibility. For anesthesia short procedures, any type works.

Certifications for institutional procurement

CE Mark (MDR 2017/745), ISO 13485 manufacturer certification. For hospitals requiring test data for tender evaluation: BFE/VFE certificates, dead space measurement, flow resistance data. FDA registration documents available upon request if applicable. Local regulatory approval (INVIMA, DIGEMID, ANMAT, AEMPS, DOH UAE) documentation available through distributor channels.

Wholesale pricing reference

Reference price range: USD 3.50–5.50 per unit depending on tube type, filter specification, swivel configuration, sterilization method, packaging and order quantity. Minimum order: 1 carton (50 units). Volume discounts available for hospital tenders, distributor contracts and recurring orders. Quotation within 24 hours by WhatsApp. Full export documentation for Latin America, Spain, Portugal, Middle East and worldwide.