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San Antonio, Texas-based Vidacare Corporation launched its Talon (tactically advanced lifesaving intraosseous needle) intraosseous (IO) vascular access system for military use at the recent 2013 Military Health System Research Symposium.
The system is a single-needle solution for vascular access aimed at providing combat life-savers and medics with rapid and accurate manual IO access to seven U.S. Food and Drug Administration-cleared IO sites, including the proximal tibia (below the knee), distal tibia (ankle), proximal humerus (shoulder) and the sternum. IO access is access to the vascular system from within the bone.
Talon is designed to deliver vital fluids and drugs through the IO space. This approach allows the creation of a non-collapsible entryway to the venous system when veins are otherwise inaccessible, and is what makes the system well-suited to injured soldiers. Talon does not require electric power, and no additional IO vascular access gear or tools are needed, claims the company. This, and its small size, gives the system a tactical advantage in the battlefield, said company officials.
“This system is designed specifically to address the needs and concerns of military personnel treating patients under strenuous conditions,” said Mark Mellin, president and CEO of Vidacare. “The Talon system will help achieve vascular access and save lives when seconds count.”
The Talon system will be available in the United States in the fourth quarter of calendar year 2013, and will be sold to the military market through an exclusive relationship with Fayetteville, N.C.-based Combat Medical Systems.
“The seven-site access achievable with Talon will give medical responders a distinct life-saving advantage during casualty resuscitation,” said Corey Russ, president of Combat Medical Systems. “We are excited to launch this device with Vidacare, and we are certain it will have an immediate positive impact in tactical medicine.”