Cook Medical and Spectrum Technology in PICC Lines

We love breaking news of new disruptive vascular technology at VDF.com and Cook Medical appears to have one here. I spoke to the folks at Cook Medical (Bloomington IN) and they are very optimistic about the impact that this technology will have on patient outcomes.

 

Hospital acquired catheter infections in PICC lines are a significant concern both in terms of patient outcomes as well as healthcare cost considerations. Vascular line infections, considered an avoidable complication by the CMS as a result of the DRA, will be monitored closely by all healthcare facilities.

 

Industry studies suggest that there are approximately 3 million peripherally inserted central lines with an infection rate ranging from 4-7%. Factors associated with line infection include duration of use, patient comorbidities and insertion technique.

 

Current "anti septic" picc lines provide infection resistance for 4-5 days. New spectrum technology demonstrated zones of inhibition for approximately 63 days. This technology appears to represent a significant advance and a relatively underappreciated sector of patient care. If post release studies confirm these results, the technology will provide significant savings to healthcare.

 

Consider all of the pipeline applications for the use of this technology.

      Cook Medical Launches Spectrum Turbo-Ject Antibiotic PICC

May 11, 2009—Cook Medical (Bloomington, IN) announced the launch of the Spectrum Turbo-Ject percutaneously inserted central venous catheter (PICC). The Spectrum Turbo-Ject is an antibiotic-impregnated pressure injection PICC that is capable of accepting the contrast media injection rates required for CT scans while protecting against catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs). The Spectrum Turbo-Ject PICC is being offered in multiple catheter configurations with a range of flow rates to meet patients' needs. The device's features include maximum pressure-limit settings of 325 psi, 5-F single and double lumen with maximum flow rates of 7 and 5 mL/s, respectively, 4-F single lumen with a maximum flow rate of 4 mL/s, and 50- and 60-cm lengths. Additionally, Cook Medical is offering its PICC procedural tray, designed to efficiently supply the essential components for a clinician placing a PICC, whether bedside or in an interventional radiology lab. The tray provides the vital components for maximal sterile barrier precautions, which is a significant part of patient safety and infection control, the company stated.

According to Cook Medical, Spectrum technology has been shown to establish zones of inhibition > 15 mm for up to 63 days against the leading cause of CRBSIs. The combination of the antibiotics minocycline and rifampin that are impregnated within the material of the catheters provide broad-spectrum protection against gram positive, gram negative, and fungal organisms in both short- and long-term use. This combination has the ability to penetrate the biofilm that forms on all indwelling catheters while not promoting the growth of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria in patients receiving the catheters. The company noted that in October 2008, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services eliminated reimbursement to hospitals for treating CRBSIs and other hospital-acquired infections.