Research Presented at AVA 2016 Demonstrates Clik-FIX™ Better Reduces Catheter Movement Associated with Bloodstream Infections
Yorba Linda, CA (PRWEB) September 21, 2016 -- Starboard Medical Inc., a manufacturer of advanced, clinically differentiated IV catheter securement products for the acute-care and home-infusion markets, today announced that new research findings presented at the annual meeting of the Association for Vascular Access (AVA) identified Clik-FIX™ Catheter Securement as a promising alternative to existing catheter securement devices. AVA 2016, held at the Disney Coronado Springs Resort, Lake Buena Vista, Florida, from September 16-19, 2016, is the premier scientific event within the vascular access discipline.
At AVA 2016, Victor R. Lange, MS, MSPH, CRC, revealed there are demonstrable performance differences between leading IV catheter securement devices through his research presentation, “Securement Strength and Motion Reduction Properties of a New Novel Engineered Stabilization Device.” Lange’s study sought to isolate the essential stabilization issues that catheter securement devices are designed to help prevent—micro-pistoning of the catheter in and out of the insertion site, tip movement, and catheter dislodgement—all factors in skin flora entering the insertion site and contributing to bloodstream infections.
“During the life of the central line, there are many situations that can result in catheter movement. Movement of the catheter can occur inadvertently during standard line maintenance such as disinfection, flushing, access of port, and routine dressing changes. Catheter movement can also occur by movement of an IV pole, unintentional drop of an IV fluid bag, or snag of the IV line and/or catheter. Whether the movement of the catheter is minimal as in micropistoning or large enough to cause the catheter tip to migrate, both can potentially be problematic for the patient resulting in complications, infection, or premature catheter removal,” described Lange.
Because it would be harmful to test securement device strength and catheter movement on catheterized patients, Lange’s research was performed in a laboratory setting with testing apparatus designed to simulate forces the catheter and securement devices would be exposed to in a clinical setting. The testing was performed on ten (10) samples of each type of securement device with a commonly utilized PICC placed and secured in the device. Each catheter securement device was tested to document its ability to hold the catheter and prevent catheter movement when subjected to conditions that simulate both advertent and inadvertent horizontal and vertical manipulation. The Micro-Pistoning Movement Test observed the amount of catheter movement that can occur in and out of the insertion site with a 2-4 pound slow horizontal pull on the catheter.
The research found that the novel securement device (Clik-FIX) dramatically reduced catheter movement in and out of the insertion site by over 50%. To simulate a pull/snag on an IV line or an unintentional drop of the IV fluid bag, a 90° Pull Force Test was performed to establish the force required to dislodge a catheter from the securement device. Based on the research presented, the novel securement device (Clik-FIX) demonstrated superior strength and securement properties compared to all other securement devices tested, including outperforming the market-leading device by an average of 2.5 pounds.
“This study demonstrates that there is a difference in the securement and stabilization properties of the various catheter securement devices available today. Active mechanical securement devices that feature an engineered design specifically made to latch over or strap in the catheter hub performed better in this study…The novel securement device investigated appears to be a promising alternative to existing securement devices,” concluded Lange.
It is well documented that catheter movement and micro-pistoning can lead to contamination and potentially to blood-stream infection. As a result, limiting catheter movement should always be the goal. “These results reveal that many leading catheter securement devices are lacking in their most essential function—securement. The Clik-FIX features a dual-locking mechanism specifically designed to help inhibit catheter movement and dislodgement,” said Kerry Edgar, President of Starboard Medical.
Victor Lange’s AVA 2016 presentation can be viewed online at http://ava2016.ipostersessions.com/default.aspx?s=77-A8-B0-F2-A9-88-51-CC-45-47-9F-E1-03-F5-71-65. More about the Clik-FIX line of securement devices is available at http://www.starboardmedical.com.
About Starboard Medical, Inc.
Starboard Medical is an innovator in catheter securement and patient temperature management, focused on developing progressive product designs that significantly improve product performance, safety, and outcomes. Providing solutions for healthcare providers that enhance patient care and improve patient outcomes is our focus. The rapidly growing company provides clinically superior medical products, components, and sub-assemblies to the medical community. The Starboard Medical line of products features patent-protected technologies such as the Clik-FIX™ line of securement devices and the Clarisonus™ Plus Esophageal Stethoscope with listening device. Starboard Medical expects to launch two new securement products in 2017 from its aggressive product development efforts. Starboard Medical is headquartered in Yorba Linda, CA. For more information visit http://www.starboardmedical.com.
Ellen Hassett Cahill, e-sagacity, http://www.e-sagacity.com, +1 716.465.6230, [email protected]
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