Originally Published MPMN November/December 2008

SPOTLIGHT

IV Components

Antimicrobial IV connector

Designed to be used with a catheter or IV tubing, a needleless IV connector is coated on its inner and outer surfaces with a silver antimicrobial agent. The VitalShield coating on the V-Link connector prevents contamination and growth within the device of six pathogens known to cause catheter-related bloodstream infections. Effective for up to 96 hours, the connector’s coating can kill 99.9% of these pathogens, including vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis (VRE) and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Because VRE and MRSA can contaminate medical devices that deliver IV fluids and medications to patients, the connector valve is coated to specifically prevent the growth of these pathogens at the point of entry to the patient’s bloodstream. To aid proper aseptic technique at the IV insertion site and further reduce extraluminal contamination, the outside of the translucent connector has a flat, swabbable surface. In addition to the coating, the connector also features double-seal protection inside the device to prevent contamination in the fluid path.
Baxter International Inc., Deerfield, IL
www.baxter.com

Valves

A line of needleless swabbable products includes tube-end, bag-access, and stopcock valves. The tube-end valves have pockets that fit five tubing sizes: 2.0, 2.5, 2.8, 3.7, and 4 mm. Designed to attach directly to solution bags during manufacturing, bag-access valves can be a cost-effective way to convert any needle port on a bag into a needleless access site. The needleless access site can provide high flow or act as a closed system. Break-off valves are available in 6- and 6.8-mm sizes, while bag-access valves are designed to fit 6.8-mm-ID tube ports. Stopcocks in the product line also provide needleless access and closed-system functions. All of the products in the line are made from USP Class VI latex- and DEHP-free materials.
Halkey-Roberts Corp., St. Petersburg, FL
www.halkeyroberts.com

Cannula

The latest in a line of fluid management devices for arthroscopic applications, a cannula is designed to seal leaking portals during shoulder surgery. The ExtravaStopper can be easily loaded onto a 4-mm blunt switching stick so that it can be inserted into a portal and then connected to a suction device. When used to drain soft tissue, the cannula helps to reduce swelling and fluid overload to the patient. It also can prevent waste of irrigation fluid and eliminates the need for OR floor suction mats. In addition to preventing fluid loss from abandoned portals, the cannula can be used to control fluid extravasation, even in areas such as the anterior portal that are prone to swelling during surgery.
Cannuflow Inc., San Jose
www.cannuflow.com

Check valves

Offered in both low- and high-pressure versions, one-way check valves feature a sealing mechanism that is designed to prevent backflow without sacrificing forward flow performance. The check valves are available in a variety of materials, including lipid-resistant polycarbonate and ABS. They also are latex- and DEHP-free. Designed with critical infusion processes in mind, the valves are offered with tube port and luer lock configurations as well.
Filtertek Inc., Hebron, IL
www.filtertek.com

Small-bore connectors

Eliminating potential misconnections with luer fittings, a line of small-bore connectors provides leak-free connections. Featuring elastomeric seals with smooth, gap-free paths for enhanced flow characteristics, the SRC series of connectors provides confirmation of a secure connection with an audible click. Available in 9/32-, 1/8-, ¼-, and ½-in. sizes and in various configurations, the connectors allow tubing to rotate, which prevents kinking. The connectors can be used with compression therapy devices, negative-pressure wound therapy, gas applications, and blood or waste collection in addition to other IV applications.
Colder Products Co., St. Paul, MN
www.colder.com

Stopcocks

A supplier offers a line of stopcocks and IV components that is specifically designed to minimize potential infection. The supplier’s slit-septum needleless-access device eliminates the need for using a steel needle and protects against needlestick injuries. A closed, swabbable stopcock designed to reduce the risk of bloodstream infections can also lower overall costs by eliminating protective caps and add-on components. Another version of the stopcock features minimal dead space to prevent bacterial colonization. Also part of the line is the supplier’s antimicrobial stopcock, the B-Stop, which was created to reduce bacterial colonization on devices as well.
Elcam Medical Inc., Hackenack, NJ
www.elcam-medical.com

For more articles and information on IV components, go to devicelink.com/mpmn/ivfilter.

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