Dale Trach ties/call from DME

[Mom2TwinsPlus1]

My DME just called, they told me they had to read me a letter that was sent to them by the makers of Dale trach ties. It has all these fancy terms but it basically said

Do not cut the velcro portion of the ties, doing so will lossen stitching and can lead to possible decanulation. Its ok to cut the foam portion but not the velcro. If you cut the ties, and something happens Dale is not to blame.

They said that Dale is ordering that all DME's contact their patients regarding the practice of cutting velcro, or to teach that cutting it is bad to all new patients.

Now we don't cut the velcro tabs, we are lucky we don't have to anymore, but I know lots of people still do. I say what works for you works for you and to keep doing it but I just thought I would pass this info along.

Did anyone else get this info from your DME?

[cariaad]

Havent heard a word, but we ordered MarPac last time. deb

[Ann]

We got the same letter months ago. Not sure why they had to read the letter to you instead of mailing it to you.

[Shylent]

Nope, no info from our DME but not really all that surprised.

I have noticed the skinny pieces that thread through the flanges on new duckie ties "roll up/off" quickly (within a day) unless I trim off the points.

[Mom2TwinsPlus1]

Originally Posted by Ann

We got the same letter months ago. Not sure why they had to read the letter to you instead of mailing it to you.

Oh I forgot to add she said they would be giving them out when they came for our vent checks, but just recieved them and had to notify everyone right away, I am sure that is more their own legal dept and not Dale's saying with the phone call part.

Wow months ago? Mine just got it today, scary! Oh well lots of DME's to tell I guess. Not like its a surprise, I knew they could tear at the seams if cut, have had it happen, thankfully no decan. That is when we used to cut them months ago

[connor'smom]

I actually had been in contact with Dale about 6 months ago or so about the old neonatal ties (pre-Ducks) because they virtually shreded when cut. We even had a thread go in the stoma once during a trach change. They had me send the specimens back.

Since the ducks came out, we haven't needed to cut them anymore because they are "pre-trimmed." However, I do have a sign up in my son's room instructing the day nurses not to cut the ties in any way because of that problem. We, too, got the disclaimer/warning letter.
________
Uggs

[Mom2TwinsPlus1]

Wow now I am starting to hate my DME here is something that has been known to you guys for months and I am just now hearing it? They said they got the news today, so either they are super slow and lying or Dale is slow getting word out

[Hope]

What does DME stand for? I know it means your supplier, but I feel stupid that I can't figure out "DME" and it's bugging me! Something obvious I'm sure!
Hope

[KJKK8437]

Originally Posted by Hope Reese

What does DME stand for? I know it means your supplier, but I feel stupid that I can't figure out "DME" and it's bugging me! Something obvious I'm sure!
Hope

"Durable Medical Equipment". The word missing, really, is "supplier"!

[Jacob's Mom]

Interesting. We haven't received a warning letter, but we have always used Dale ties and we have always cut the velcro. We have never had a problem though, so I think I will continue to do so.

Thanks for passing along this information.