Heat/moisture exchanger, antimicrobial

Intended purpose

: A non-sterile device intended to be placed within a breathing circuit proximal to the patient, to remove and retain microbes whilst capturing the patient's exhaled heat and moisture so that they can be used to heat and humidify the therapeutic gases inspired by the patient. It is typically a plastic housing which contains both a bidirectional microbial filter, intended to reduce the risk of cross-contamination between patients, and a heat/moisture exchanger (HME), intended to maintain the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract. It is typically used during anaesthesia or periods of prolonged respiratory support/therapy. This is a single-use device.