News Details

In a Preliminary Report, Hospital Shows Greater than 88% Reduction in PICC-Related Infections with Antimicrobial and Antithrombogenic PICC

LIMERICK, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 14, 2013-- Teleflex Incorporated (NYSE: TFX), a leading global provider of medical devices for critical care and surgery, announces the release of a new white paper to aid clinicians in preventing catheter-related infections and thrombosis.

White paper author Nancy Moureau, BSN, RN, CRNI, CPUI, VA-BC, advocates a multi-level preventive approach that includes a controlled release, chlorhexidine-impregnated Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) that helps reduce thrombosis and bloodstream infection. The white paper highlights a preliminary report of 88% reduction in bloodstream infections, attributable to use of the ARROW^® PICC with Chlorag⁺ard^® Technology, at a major Southern California medical center.

The paper, titled “Catheter-Related Infection and Thrombosis: A Proven Relationship. A Review of Innovative PICC Technology to Reduce Catheter-Related Infection and Thrombosis” can be downloaded at chlorhexidinefacts.com/arrow-picc.html.

“As hospitals face higher expectations for infection control and more federal reporting requirements, they need to adopt a comprehensive approach to preventing central line-associated bloodstream infections,” Moureau said. “This paper is designed to aid clinicians and technology decision makers by outlining the best clinical and financial strategies to prevent both infection and thrombosis in PICCs.”

The paper notes that unprotected peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are often thought to be safer, but in fact have rates of bloodstream infections similar to unprotected central venous catheters (CVCs). In addition, PICCs have higher rates of thrombosis.¹ Thrombosis heightens the risk of infection by greatly increasing bacterial colonization.^2,3 The current widespread use of PICCs increases these concerns, with more than 2 million PICCs placed per year in the U.S., according to Moureau.

To prevent central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), Moureau urges use of a catheter with the following attributes:

• Intraluminal and extraluminal protection against a broad range of microbial pathogens
• Reduction of thrombus accumulation on catheter surfaces with the ability to reduce occlusion and maintain blood return
• Catheter protection lasting at least 30 days

Moureau advises that clinicians should be educated about national guidelines to prevent infection and thrombosis. Guidelines or standards that recommend the use of an anti-infective catheter in certain circumstances have been issued by the CDC, Society for Healthcare Epidemiology of America, Infusion Nursing Society and Infectious Diseases Society of America.

Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) cost $34,508 per incident to treat and are considered “Never Events” - a cost for which hospitals not reimbursed.⁴ The average treatment cost for upper-extremity thrombosis is $11,957 per event.⁵ Hospitals may also bear additional direct costs associated with extended length of stay (LOS) or indirect costs if their admissions suffer because of poor infection rates. Nearly all Medicare-participating hospitals must publicly report CLABSI rates in their intensive care units. Beginning in 2015, hospitals will be required to report infection data from multiple hospital units, not just ICUs.

Moureau is a Vascular Access Consultant with PICC Excellence, Inc., educator, PRN clinician and is a paid consultant for Teleflex. She is founder of PICC Excellence, Inc., has spoken and been published widely on vascular access issues and has trained thousands of nurses and other medical professionals in PICC placement.

Additional information may be found at arrowintl.com.

About Teleflex Incorporated

Teleflex is a leading global provider of specialty medical devices for a range of procedures in critical care and surgery. Our mission is to provide solutions that enable healthcare providers to improve outcomes and enhance patient and provider safety. Headquartered in Limerick, Pa, Teleflex employs approximately 11,500 people worldwide and serves healthcare providers in more than 140 countries. Additional information about Teleflex can be obtained from the company's website at teleflex.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Any statements contained in this press release that do not describe historical facts may constitute forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements contained herein are based on our management's current beliefs and expectations, but are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and changes in circumstances, which may cause actual results or company actions to differ materially from what is expressed or implied by these statements. These risks and uncertainties are identified and described in more detail in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K.

Teleflex, Arrow and Chlorag⁺ard are registered trademarks of Teleflex Incorporated or its affiliates.
©2013 Teleflex Incorporated. All rights reserved. 2013-2446

Source: Teleflex Incorporated

Teleflex Incorporated
Jake Elguicze, 610-948-2836
Treasurer and Vice President, Investor Relations