VasoNova, a subsidiary of Teleflex (Limerick, PA), has been issued CE certification for its Arrow VPS vascular positioning system. The innovative system uses a combination of micro-Doppler ultrasound technology and intravascular ECG along with advanced algorithms to determine correct placement of central venous and peripherally-inserted central catheters (PICC lines).
Whereas traditionally after blind positioning a chest X-ray was needed to verify proper catheter tip placement, the Arrow VPS system uses a simple indicator to tell the physician when the correct location has been reached as determined by the detected ECG signal at the cavoatrial junction in the superior vena cava. Although other external magnetic positioning systems and ECG based methods are also available, Vasanova claims its method is more accurate than all of those. In addition, another indicator gives a warning if the catheter is moving against blood flow, which might happen when a wrong vein such as the jugular is entered or when the catheter moves into the right atrium beyond its optimal location.
The Arrow VPS system consists of a portable, reusable console with proprietary vascular positioning system technology and a single-use stylet that works with compatible central venous and peripherally-inserted central catheters. The system has been available in the United States for over a year already and is available in Europe from now on. The video below explains the Arrow VPS-assisted catheter placement procedure in more detail:
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Product page: Vasanova Arrow VPS…
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