MedTech Business Review: Specials Magazine

Infections may spread in mere seconds, but Patient Shield Concepts is matching that pace with swift, preventative solutions. Founded by anesthesiologist, MD, and CMO, Dr. Lynn White and Dr. Stanley Rosen, the company addresses a pressing issue in acute care settings: stopping the cross-contamination of bacteria and viruses from contaminated suction implements. Determined to break this cycle of contamination, Dr. White and her team developed SuctionShield, a simple and effective holster that keeps suction implements off contaminated surfaces and out of harm’s way. By reducing cross-contamination risks, Patient Shield Concepts is creating safer environments for both patients and healthcare providers. “SuctionShield holsters provide infection control by reducing cross contamination at the bedside, providing a safe, identifiable storage space for used suction implements,” says Dr. White. SuctionShield: A Simple Solution to a Critical Infection Control Risk The concept behind SuctionShield emerged in the operating room, where suction devices used in patients’ oral and respiratory tracts were routinely placed on contaminated surfaces—under pillows, alongside ventilators, or even on the floor—before being reused. Research shows that many suction implements in acute care can harbor various pathogens, including bacteria and viruses capable of surviving on dry surfaces for extended periods. These pathogens can spread easily as healthcare staff move between rooms, often carrying microbes on their clothing or arms. SuctionShield was developed to address this frequently overlooked yet critical problem. Initially designed for operating rooms, its effectiveness quickly caught the attention of clinicians across the healthcare spectrum, leading to broad adoption in ambulances, emergency departments, ICUs, and step-down units. Engineered for single-patient use over a 24-hour period, this straightforward holster isolates potentially contaminated suction devices, making them easily identifiable while significantly reducing cross-contamination risks. With its bright orange color, SuctionShield stands out in high-traffic clinical settings, and its sturdy, re-attachable construction remains secure until deliberately removed. A gridbottom design allows suction tips to air-dry completely, helping inhibit microbial growth. Made from disposable and recyclable materials, SuctionShield strengthens infection control and supports broader sustainability efforts.