Vascular Access Device Reduces Needle Stick Injuries

The disposable Tiva device is designed to allow newly placed peripheral intravenous (PIV) catheters to be momentarily repurposed to draw blood from patients, thereby reducing the need for extra venipuncture procedures. The device—which comes in 20 and 22 gauge sizes—is comprised of an inner tube with a plunger, a proximal flexible tube with female luer, and an outer barrel with a male luer. The male luer attaches to the PIV system, while the female luer attaches to a blood transfer device or syringe, from which a blood sample is then collected.

The device is transiently attached to a PIV catheter line and is activated by advancing the plunger, which advances a small polymer cannula through the PIV catheter and into the vessel. Blood is then drawn using standard vacuum tubes; after the requisite number of tubes is filled, the cannula is retracted by pulling the plunger back to its resting position, exiting the PIV. It is then detached from the PIV line and discarded. The Tiva device is a product of Velano Vascular (San Francisco, CA, USA), and has received the European Community CE mark of approval.

“A fundamental benefit of this technology is reducing the 'pin cushion effect', in which hospitalized patients are 'stuck' several times daily to obtain blood tests. Oftentimes, the draw procedure is plagued by multiple failed attempts,” said Eric Stone, co-founder and CEO of Velano Vascular. “Starting with the basic premise of replacing an antiquated technology—phlebotomy needles, which date back centuries—to dramatically improve patient care has led us to an incredible business opportunity that benefits patients, practitioners and hospitals alike.”

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