Foreign Body Response to Intravenous Catheter Materials
Our body's normal reaction to foreign objects inserted into the bloodstream involves proteins sticking to them and the activation of immune cells as a protective process engulfing the object. Understanding how the body and devices, such as intravenous catheters, interact with the cells within the bloodstream is crucial to avoiding problems and device failures.
Publication Review: Do anti-microbial and anti-thrombogenic peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) materials prevent catheter complications?
The article, published in 2022, discusses the use and complications of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs), which are increasingly used for administering various medical therapies due to their ease of insertion compared to traditional central venous catheters (CVCs). The article presents a study analyzing data from 42,562 hospitalized medical patients to compare the performance of coated antimicrobial PICCs, antithrombogenic polyurethane PICCs, and polyurethane PICCs in preventing CLABSI, venous thromboembolism (VTE), and occlusion in general and high-risk populations.
Innovating for Better Outcomes: The Case for Exploring Beyond Existing Contracts in Hospital Supply Chains
The Case for Exploring Beyond Existing Contracts in Hospital Supply Chains. Hospitals are constantly on the lookout for ways to improve patient outcomes and operational efficiency (while reducing costs). A key area where innovation can make a significant impact is in the adoption of new medical device technologies. However, one challenge that often arises is the tendency of hospital supply chains to rely on existing contracts, even when they may not offer the best available technology.
Biofilm Formation on Intravascular Catheters and Methods of Infection Prevention
Innovations in Biomaterial Technology: Our advancements in biomaterial technology have been nothing short of groundbreaking. The results from our studies presented at the AVA Annual Scientific Meeting have shown our MIMIX hydrophilic biomaterial (HBM) to significantly reduce bacterial adhesion and thrombus accumulation. This innovation could revolutionize the way we approach vascular access, with potential to significantly lower the risks associated with central-line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI). It's a shining example of how AVI is leading the way in medical device innovation.
Reflecting on 2023 at AVI
Innovations in Biomaterial Technology: Our advancements in biomaterial technology have been nothing short of groundbreaking. The results from our studies presented at the AVA Annual Scientific Meeting have shown our MIMIX hydrophilic biomaterial (HBM) to significantly reduce bacterial adhesion and thrombus accumulation. This innovation could revolutionize the way we approach vascular access, with potential to significantly lower the risks associated with central-line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI). It's a shining example of how AVI is leading the way in medical device innovation.
The Midline IV Catheter: An Alternative for Short-Term Infusions
When it comes to delivering short-term infusions, healthcare professionals are often faced with the choice between a Peripheral Intravenous (PIV) catheter and a Midline IV Vascular Access Catheter. While PIV catheters have long been the standard choice for short-term infusions, recent advances in clinical literature and best practices have shed light on the advantages of using a midline catheter in certain situations. In this blog, we will explore the reasons why choosing a midline vascular access catheter can be a superior option for short-term infusions, supported by published clinical literature and best practices.
A Vascular Access Discussion on the Nursing Shortage and Impact to Patient Care
Nurses are notoriously helpers. That is why we became nurses. We fill in the gaps when needed. If a unit secretary is sick, the nurses end up answering phones and doing their role in addition to their own. Environmental service staff are short? Nurses take up the slack and strip beds and empty trash. Nurses are drowning. In spite of all of this, they are going home worried if they did enough for their patients.
Midline IV Catheters: The Battle of AST vs MST
The use of midline IV catheters has grown dramatically over the last 5 years - seemingly related to various hospital initiatives and clinical studies. Midline catheters often solve a nice “middle ground” between the need for a central line and the need for a PIVC that will not quickly clot and fail – though we know not all medications and therapies should use a midline
Hydrogel and Hydrophilic Catheters
Intravenous (IV) catheters are commonly used in hospitals and medical facilities to administer medication, fluids, and nutrients directly into a patient's bloodstream. Blood cell adherence occurs within minutes of the insertion of polyurethane or silicone catheters into the bloodstream.
Interview with Maya Yearns of Stillwater Medical Center in Oklahoma
I am a vascular access nurse at Stillwater Medical Center in Stillwater, Oklahoma. I’ve been with Stillwater for almost 13 years. We’re a 117-bed not-for-profit acute care community hospital
Device Selection: When to Choose a Midline versus a PICC
According to iData Research (iData Research, Vascular Access Devices Market Analysis, 2020-2026 MedSuite, Vancouver, BC), more than 340 million peripheral (PIV) and 7 million central venous catheters (CVC) are purchased for use each year in the USA.1 More than 30% of patients with vascular access devices (VAD) will experience complications.
Hospitals Looking to Innovation to Help Solve Financial Challenges
One such innovation is the use of new biomaterial-based medical devices like Access Vascular’s lineup of vascular access catheters. Already known for their ability to significantly reduce health complications, a new study has now documented the potential positive financial impact AVI’s devices can deliver to hospital systems.
PICC Line Occlusions: Understanding the How and Why for Prevention
According to iData Research (iData Research, Vascular Access Devices Market Analysis, 2020-2026 MedSuite, Vancouver, BC), more than 340 million peripheral (PIV) and 7 million central venous catheters (CVC) are purchased for use each year in the USA.1 More than 30% of patients with vascular access devices (VAD) will experience complications.
Introducing MIMIX Technology
A new novel biomaterial has been created to mimic the body’s natural chemistry and thus avoid the foreign body response. MIMIX is a new consistently hydrophilic biomaterial from Access Vascular that has the potential to change how not only vascular access devices are made - but many other healthcare technologies.
CLABSI: An Ounce of Prevention
The rise of dangerous Central Line Associated Blood Stream Infections (CLABSI) should spur a review of your hospital’s vascular access program. Here are some basic strategies to diminish the risk.
The Implication of Complications
Complications from vascular access devices can prove deadly to patients and detrimental to hospital economics with reimbursement penalties tied to these complications. The good news is they can be greatly reduced with targeted tracking and common-sense measures.
Q&A with 1st HydroPICC User
The very first clinical user of HydroPICC has used it in 50 cases, with no occlusions to date. We thought it would be interesting for him to share his experience with other vascular access specialists, for whom HydroPICC could be beneficial. Many thanks to Joseph Bunch, RN, Principal Owner of Provasc, Ltd., a leading PICC placement firm in Chicagoland, Illinois, for sharing his perspective.