06.14.13
Limerick, Pa.-based Teleflex Inc., maker of critical care and surgical devices, obtained 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for its Arrow VPS (vascular positioning system) G4 device earlier this year. Now, the company is launching the device in the United States. The device is designed for use in conjunction with the disposable ArrowVPS stylet.
Arrow VPS G4 is designed to track and pinpoint the exact location of the lower third of the superior vena cava and cavo-atrial junction, which is the ideal location for the tip of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). The technology is designed to provide clinicians real-time information, which helps avoid potentially serious clinical complications such as thrombosis, arterial puncture and vessel wall damage. The system uses micro-Doppler technology with intravascular electrocardiogram to function.
The device is provided with directions in the form of symbols, and confirms when the catheter is in its final intended position. According to the company, the new system also has an improved sterile field capability, and WiFi access to enable integration with hospital data management systems.
PICC lines, which usually are inserted for use during a long length of time (weeks or months, sometimes years), are used for a variety of reasons, including intravenous delivery of parenteral nutrition, chemotherapy, antibiotics or other medications.
There are more than three million PICCs and two million central venous catheters placed in the United States each year, according to the company.
“Accurately assessing the correct tip placement of a central line can be difficult and has always required chest X-ray confirmation,” said Bradley B. Hill, M.D., vascular surgeon and co-inventor of the VPS technology. “The Arrow VPS technology has the ability to provide immediate and simple confirmation, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming X-rays. It also reduces the risk of complications associated with malposition. With this system, patients can receive vital therapies faster, putting them on the path to recovery sooner.”
Teleflex makes a range of devices for critical care and surgery.
The device is provided with directions in the form of symbols, and confirms when the catheter is in its final intended position. According to the company, the new system also has an improved sterile field capability, and WiFi access to enable integration with hospital data management systems.
PICC lines, which usually are inserted for use during a long length of time (weeks or months, sometimes years), are used for a variety of reasons, including intravenous delivery of parenteral nutrition, chemotherapy, antibiotics or other medications.
There are more than three million PICCs and two million central venous catheters placed in the United States each year, according to the company.
“Accurately assessing the correct tip placement of a central line can be difficult and has always required chest X-ray confirmation,” said Bradley B. Hill, M.D., vascular surgeon and co-inventor of the VPS technology. “The Arrow VPS technology has the ability to provide immediate and simple confirmation, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming X-rays. It also reduces the risk of complications associated with malposition. With this system, patients can receive vital therapies faster, putting them on the path to recovery sooner.”
Teleflex makes a range of devices for critical care and surgery.