Smiths Medical Offers Innovative Technology

Smiths Medical, a leading global medical device manufacturer, announced today that there is an alternative product that decreases catheter occlusions, a common problem with IV catheters. Smiths Medical distributes Nexus TKO (To Keep Open) needleless connectors, a solution that can help healthcare facilities affected by the current supply constraint of the occlusion de-clotting medication Cathflo Activase (alteplase)¹.

Nexus TKO needleless connectors contain an innovative pressure-activated anti-reflux technology that prolongs the life of central/peripheral IV lines. This unique anti-reflux capability helps prevent blood backing up into IV catheter tips and hubs from patient movement (coughing, sneezing, vomiting), syringe connection and disconnection, IV bags running dry, syringe plunger rebound and pressure from ventilators or other hospital equipment. The Nexus TKO needleless connector also has an important clear, rigid, straight fluid path, which allows a thorough and easy view of effective flush.

“The Nexus TKO needleless connectors with anti-reflux technology, distributed by Smiths Medical, are proven to help maintain catheter patency and reduce the need for de-clotting medication,” says Jeff Brown, vice president sales & marketing, Smiths Medical, Americas Region. “With the current supply constraint of Cathflo Activase (alteplase) for catheter occlusions, we are pleased to offer customers a simple solution that requires no change to protocol.”

Blood reflux is one of the most common unintended consequences in IV therapy². Blood reflux can provide an environment for microbes to create biofilm which can potentially lead to a catheter-related blood stream infection. Attaching the Nexus TKO needleless connector to IV catheters has proven to reduce peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) and central line occlusion by 58%³, increase peripheral catheter life by more than 51%³, and decrease peripheral catheter phlebitis and infiltrates by 60%³. Reducing the risk of occlusions can result in a decrease in the need for occlusion de-clotting medication, which is currently under a supply constraint.

1 Zigulis, Carol. "Product Availability Information for Cathflo Activase (alteplase) 2mg, Activase (alteplase) 50mg and Activase (alteplase) 100mg." Letter. 25 March 2013.

2 Hadaway, RN, C, CRNI, Med, Reopening the Pipeline, Nursing 2005, Volume 35.

3 Jasinsky, RN, BSN, J. Wurster, RN, MSN, Occlusion Reduction and Heparin Elimination Trial using an Anti-Reflux Device on Peripheral and Central Intravenous Lines, Intravenous Nurses Society, January/February 2009: 33-39.