The Powerwand peripheral intravenous (PIV) catheter from San Diego–based Access Scientific has been shown to be an effective alternative to central lines and standard PIVs in a recent study. The power-injectable extended dwell catheter achieved high levels of success in patients requiring long-term intravenous therapy in the peer-reviewed study, which was performed by researchers at the Center for Nursing Research at Orlando Health (Orlando, FL). Published in the Spring 2012 issue of the Journal of the Association for Vascular Access (JAVA), the study reported a low overall complication rate including lower thrombosis, catheter occlusion, phlebitis, and infiltration than with other reports of complications from studies on PIV outcomes.
The study also reported that, 95% of the time, the device was successfully placed on the first attempt in a population of patients with a history of difficult IV access.
Designed for patients expected to require six or more days of IV therapy, the Powerwand was cleared by FDA last year. The product has also obtained CE Mark approval.
Below is an instructional video showing how the device is placed using the Accelerated Seldinger Technique (AST) with ultrasound guidance:
http://youtu.be/Ef-It10s47Q
Study information: Outcomes of Using a Modified Seldinger Technique for Long Term Intravenous Therapy in Hospitalized Patients with Difficult Venous Access
Press release [PDF]: Access Scientific Gets FDA Clearance for POWERWAND…
Product page: POWERWAND…