Intersurgical Breathing Filters, Circuits & Connectors
Intersurgical is a UK-based manufacturer of single-use respiratory consumables. MEC stocks Intersurgical Flo-Guard and Air-Guard breathing filters, the Hydro-Therm HME, Smoothbore breathing systems for NIV and cough assist, Superset catheter mounts, 22 mm and 15 mm connectors, and the Cirrus2 nebuliser kit. Hospitals, home ventilation services and cough assist users use them to complete and maintain their breathing circuits.
The Intersurgical Range at MEC
| Job | Products |
|---|---|
| Filtering the breathing system | Flo-Guard (low-resistance, machine end) and Air-Guard Clear (equipment protection) |
| Humidifying a bypassed airway | Hydro-Therm HME, box of 20 |
| Circuits and tubing | Smoothbore breathing systems with CO2 leak port, exhalation valve or monitoring line (single or box of 20), and 22 mm Smoothbore tube, 1.8 m |
| Catheter mounts and elbows | Superset double swivel catheter mounts, standard and with flip-top suction port, and the double swivel elbow |
| Connectors and mouthpieces | Straight connectors: 22M–22M, 22M/15F–22M/15F, 15M–22F, with MDI port and with 6 mm oxygen stem. Plus a 22F straight mouthpiece |
| Nebulisation | Cirrus2 nebuliser mouthpiece kit with 2.1 m tube |
Choosing the Right Intersurgical Filter or HME
Flo-Guard. A low-resistance electrostatic filter designed for the machine end of the breathing system, where it protects patient and device against cross-contamination. Intersurgical rates its bacterial and viral filtration efficiency above 99.99%, with resistance of 0.4 cmH2O at 30 L/min. Its low resistance at very high flows makes it a common choice for CPAP, bilevel and cough assist, including the BiWaze Cough System.
Air-Guard Clear. A pleated hydrophobic membrane filter for protecting equipment such as ventilators and oxygen concentrators.
Hydro-Therm HME. A small, lightweight heat and moisture exchanger that returns exhaled heat and moisture to the patient. It humidifies, but it is not listed as a breathing filter, so pair it with a filter where filtration is required.
Important — Filter placement: Intersurgical states that Air-Guard filters are contraindicated at the patient connection end of the breathing system. Flo-Guard is designed for the machine end. Check the intended position on the product's instructions before assembling a circuit.
Getting connections right. Intersurgical connectors follow standard 22 mm and 15 mm conical sizing. M means male and F means female. Match the connector to the ends you are joining, for example a 15M–22F connector to adapt a 15 mm tube port to a 22 mm circuit. Superset catheter mounts have a concertina design that adjusts length from 70 to 150 mm, so the mount can sit in any position.
Intersurgical FAQ
Which Intersurgical filter should I use with a cough assist machine?
Flo-Guard is designed for high-flow applications, including cough assist, CPAP and bilevel, and sits at the machine end of the circuit. Follow the cough assist manufacturer's guidance on filter use and change intervals.
Is an HME the same as a breathing filter?
No. An HME conserves heat and moisture for a patient whose upper airway is bypassed. A breathing filter removes bacteria and viruses. Some products combine both (HMEFs), but the Hydro-Therm HME is not one of them.
Browse the full Intersurgical range above, or explore our wider HME and filter and cough assist ranges. For hospital or bulk orders, contact the MEC team.