All in One Vascular Access Device Provides Faster, Safer, Simpler
Insertion for PICC or Midline Placements
LIMERICK, Pa., Sep 07, 2010 (BUSINESS WIRE) --
Teleflex has partnered with Access Scientific Incorporated, San Diego,
California to become the U.S. distributor of The PICC WAND(TM) Safety
Introducer with ARROW(R) peelable sheath. This new, all- in-one vascular
access device provides clinicians a faster, safer, simpler way to insert
a peel away sheath for PICC or Midline catheter placements.
Using the new Accelerated Seldinger Technique, The PICC WAND combines an
echogenic needle, nitinol wire, sheath and dilator into an all in one
safety introducer that eliminates the need to reach for separate
components, improving sterile technique and reducing the risks
associated with Modified Seldinger Technique (MST). These risks include
accidental needle stick injury, loss of cannulation, vessel trauma,
blood exposure, contamination of components and air and wire embolism.
The PICC WAND actually reduces the risk of air emboli by 50% compared to
MST.1
The passive needle safety mechanism of The PICC WAND automatically
shields the contaminated needle during the procedure reducing the risk
of accidental needle stick injury. This is important as there are
385,000 reported accidental sharps injuries occurring in hospitals
annually, exposing healthcare workers to bloodborne pathogens that
include Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) and
Hepatitis C Virus (HCV).2
Teleflex, a leader in providing innovative vascular access technologies,
anticipates this device will become the new standard of care reducing
risk to both patients and healthcare workers. "We are delighted to be
partnering with Access Scientific to bring this truly innovative
technology to market," said Cary Vance, Executive Vice President,
Teleflex North America. "The PICC WAND provides significant benefits to
both patients and caregivers and is an outstanding addition to our
vascular access product portfolio."
Steve Bierman, M.D., CEO of Access Scientific said, "Having now seen The
PICC WAND in operation, in some of the most challenging cases, I can
assert without any doubt that the Accelerated Seldinger Technique
establishes a new standard of care. Both patients and healthcare workers
benefit significantly from the Wand's safety and efficiency features."
He continued, "Access Scientific is proud to be introducing this game
changing technology with our partner, Teleflex."
The PICC WAND will be available as a stand alone product and inside new
ergonomically designed PICC kits from Teleflex. These new kits include a
pressure injectable PICC line as well as maximal barrier and sharps
safety components that reduce the risk of infection and accidental
needle sticks.
About Teleflex Incorporated
Teleflex Incorporated (NYSE: TFX) is a global provider of medical
technology products that enable healthcare providers to improve patient
outcomes, protect against infections and support patient and provider
safety. Teleflex, which employs approximately 12,600 people worldwide,
also has niche businesses that serve segments of the aerospace and
commercial markets with specialty engineered products. Additional
information about Teleflex can be obtained from the company's website at www.teleflex.com.
1 Data on File
2 NIOSH ALERT: Preventing Needlestick Injuries in
Health Care Settings, Pub. 2000-108, Nov. 1999
The PICC WAND is a trademark of Access Scientific, Inc.
SOURCE: Teleflex Incorporated
Teleflex Incorporated
Jake Elguicze, 610-948-2836
Vice President, Investor Relations