Intraluminal protection device outperforms negative-pressure split septum IV connector

An IV connector known as an intraluminal protection device (IPD) outperformed a negative-pressure split septum IV connector, in a prospective clinical study that compared the occlusion rates of two IV connectors.

The purpose of the study was to compare the two connector types in both inpatient and outpatient, cancer-related settings. The study was undertaken to determine if connector design would affect occlusion rates.

The IPD connector was found to be superior for occlusion prevention in this cancer patient sample. Researchers observed a 53% overall drop in the incidence of occlusions with the IPD (InVision-Plus®, by RyMed Technologies).

Lower occlusion rates are desirable because they help prevent delays in cancer treatment and their associated costs. Preventing treatment delays also helps improve the quality of life during treatment for patients and their families.

The study took place at a major cancer center in the southwestern U.S. The results were reported in a scientific poster at a recent conference of the European Oncology Nursing Society (EONS).

Occlusion is an especially troublesome complication for pediatric patients, as vein preservation is important for young people who may undergo multiple rounds of treatment over time.

Almost 10,000 connectors were included in the study. A 20% drop in occlusions was observed in intensive care units; a 46% drop in pediatric in-patient areas; and an 84% drop in pediatric outpatient areas, associated with the IPD.

There were statistically significant decreases in the pediatric inpatient department.

The study also assessed the financial impact of reduced occlusions. The savings with the IPD technology were estimated at $4,200 per patient in avoided treatment costs, on-time delivery of medications, shorter length of hospital stay, and less nursing time. This rate projects to a savings of more than $1 million per year at the institution where the study was performed.

The straight fluid pathway of the IPD, along with the absence of dead space in that pathway, "means there are no surfaces to which blood is likely to adhere. This is a major difference from other connectors, most of which have complicated pathways with lots of dead space,," said study co-author Cynthia Chernecky, Ph.D., RN, AOCN, FAAN, of Georgia Health Sciences University, in Augusta, Ga.

These design elements, Chernecky said, make it is easier to completely flush blood from a catheter.

Source RyMed Technologies