FDA Signals Shortage Of ICU Medical's Tracheostomy Tubes

The FDA said there was a shortage of tracheostomy tubes, including Bivona tracheostomy tubes manufactured by ICU Medical Inc ICUI.
The agency said the shortage was due to difficulties in raw material procurement and would most likely impact pediatric patients.
A shortage of Bivona tracheostomy tubes is more likely to impact pediatric patients because the supply of alternative tubes with similar functionality may be limited.
Bivona tracheostomy tube is commonly used in pediatric patients because the tube is made from a flexible silicone material, making it easier to insert in pediatric patients.
A tracheostomy tube is used to help people breathe following a tracheotomy (a surgical procedure that creates a small opening in the neck directly into the windpipe or trachea).
A tracheostomy tube is placed through the neck opening to allow patients to breathe through the tube instead of through their mouth or nose.
The health regulator has recommended reusing tracheostomy tubes after following proper sanitary procedures to deal with the current shortage.
Bivona tracheostomy tubes may be cleaned, sanitized, and reused up to five times for pediatric sizes and ten times for adult sizes.
Price Action: ICUI shares closed at $148.41 on Monday.