UK-based Vygon has introduced a real-time catheter tip location device for accurately placing peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) into patient's chest.
Using the ECG tip confirmation technology, the Nautilus device provides immediate feedback to clinicians on catheter tip location to begin treatment without any delay.
Clinical studies conducted on 334 different patients have shown that ECG placement technology has a 97.3% success rate for placing the catheter tip correctly for the first time.
Vygon said correct PICC placement on the first attempt allows the PICC to be used immediately, which helps in minimizing time and money spent on chest X-rays and other associated on-costs.
In addition, the device eliminates unnecessary exposure to harmful radiation for both clinician and patient alongside minimizing the risks associated with blind catheter placement such as thrombus, which can lead to hospital associated infections.
