Access Vascular Inc. Reports Breakthrough Findings in Midline Catheter Technology
Access Vascular Inc. (AVI) has recently unveiled compelling findings from a proactive device evaluation that highlights the significant advantages of its innovative midline catheter, the HydroMid, made from the proprietary Mimix hydrophilic biomaterial (HBM). This groundbreaking research was presented at the 2024 annual scientific meeting of the Association for Vascular Access, held from September 28 to 30 in Denver, USA. The results indicate a remarkable reduction in complications associated with the HydroMid compared to traditional chlorhexidine (CHG)-coated catheters, marking a pivotal moment in vascular access technology.
A Comparative Study: HydroMid vs. CHG-Coated Catheters
The evaluation conducted by a team led by Stevie Gore from Benefis Health System in Great Falls, USA, focused on comparing the HydroMid device with a conventional polyurethane catheter coated with CHG. The findings were striking: the HydroMid catheter exhibited a complication rate of just 5%, a stark contrast to the 25% complication rate observed with the CHG-coated device. Furthermore, the HydroMid demonstrated an impressive 95% completion rate of therapy, significantly higher than the less than 80% completion rate associated with the CHG polyurethane catheter.
Interestingly, these superior outcomes were achieved despite the HydroMid catheter having an average dwell time that was nearly 20% longer—10.5 days compared to 8.9 days for the CHG-coated catheter. This suggests that not only does the HydroMid reduce complications, but it also allows for extended use without compromising patient safety or treatment efficacy.
The Rationale Behind the Evaluation
The decision to evaluate the HydroMid catheter stemmed from growing concerns regarding the high failure and complication rates of previous midline catheters. Stevie Gore noted, “Driven by rising concerns about the high failure and complication rates of our previous midline catheters, we opted to evaluate the HydroMid. Since transitioning to the HydroMid catheter, our patients have experienced markedly fewer complications and have successfully completed their therapy at a much higher rate.” This statement underscores the importance of continuous innovation in medical devices to enhance patient outcomes.
Proven Efficacy of Mimix Biomaterial
The success of the HydroMid catheter can be attributed to the unique properties of the Mimix biomaterial, which closely emulates the natural chemistry of the human body. Previous studies have shown that devices crafted from this material can achieve a sixfold reduction in complications compared to standard catheters. Additionally, in vitro data has demonstrated a staggering 99.99% reduction in bacterial adhesion, a critical factor in preventing infections associated with vascular access devices.
The Importance of Real-World Data
James Biggins, founder and CEO of Access Vascular, emphasized the significance of rigorous data collection in clinical practice. He stated, “Making the decision to change clinical practice or products is not always easy. The rigorous collection of real-world data makes a significant difference in that decision-making process.” This commitment to evidence-based practice not only supports the adoption of new technologies but also reinforces the importance of patient safety and care quality.
Conclusion: A New Era in Vascular Access
The findings presented by Access Vascular Inc. at the Association for Vascular Access meeting represent a significant advancement in the field of vascular access technology. The HydroMid catheter, with its impressive reduction in complications and enhanced therapy completion rates, offers a promising alternative to traditional CHG-coated catheters. As healthcare providers continue to seek innovative solutions to improve patient outcomes, the success of the HydroMid catheter serves as a testament to the power of research, innovation, and collaboration in the medical field.
With ongoing studies and real-world evaluations, Access Vascular is poised to lead the charge in transforming vascular access practices, ultimately enhancing the quality of care for patients worldwide.