ClearFlow Receives Frost & Sullivan ‘New Product Innovation’ Award for PleuraFlow Technology

ClearFlow Inc. has received the 2017 Global Frost & Sullivan Award for New Product Innovation. The award was presented to ClearFlow for its development of the PleuraFlow Active Clearance Technology (ACT) System, which has been clinically shown to reduce the occurrence of complications after cardiac surgery.
 
Evidence suggests that chest tubes which are used for drainage after cardiac surgery have a high failure rate due to clogging. If the extra blood isn’t removed from inside the chest cavity after surgery, patients may require additional procedures which are known as Retained Blood Syndrome (RBS). Multiple studies have shown that retained blood has a statistically significant negative impact on cardiac surgery patients after surgery, including a higher likelihood of mortality, longer intensive care unit and hospital lengths of stay, four times higher infection rates and increased cost of care.
 
ClearFlow’s PleuraFlow ACT System is the only U.S. Food and Drug Administration-cleared device available that enables caregivers to proactively prevent or minimize chest tube occlusions and reduce retained blood.
 
Announcing ClearFlow as the recipient of the award in the ‘New Product Innovation’ category, Frost & Sullivan referred to PleuraFlow as a ‘transformational force in post-operative cardiothoracic surgery protocols.”
 
“Clearly, the PleuraFlow ACT System is uniquely positioned for sustained success as it meets customers’ core requirements of quality, functionality, and reliability,” remarked Frost & Sullivan Senior Industry Analyst Patrick Riley.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents this award to the company that develops an innovative product to leverage leading-edge technologies. The award recognizes the value-added features/benefits of the product and the increased ROI it offers customers.
 
Frost & Sullivan Best Practices awards recognize companies in a variety of regional and global markets for demonstrating outstanding achievement and superior performance in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer service, and strategic product development. Industry analysts compare market participants and measure performance through in-depth interviews, analysis, and extensive secondary research to identify best practices in the industry.
 
“It’s rewarding to be honored for the innovative qualities of our technology,” said ClearFlow Vice President of Marketing Vicki Caiati. “Mounting data from multiple sources has repeatedly and clearly demonstrated that there is an unmet need for reduction of retained blood resulting from clogged chest tubes among patients recovering from cardiac surgery. We appreciate Frost & Sullivan’s forward-looking focus on this important issue and singling us out as a solution to this long-term problem.”
 
The PleuraFlow Active Clearance Technology System is approved for use in the United States, Europe, Australia, Brazil, Canada, and other countries in Asia and the Middle East.
 
ClearFlow Inc. is an Anaheim, Calif.-based developer of a patented active blood and fluid evacuation system to speed recovery, reduce complications and lower healthcare costs related to medical tube obstruction. The company has been awarded several awards, including the European Association of Cardiothoracic Surgeons Techno-College Innovation Award for worldwide innovation that has the potential to change the standard of care in heart and lung surgery, and the Innovations in Cardiovascular Interventions Award, among others.