Venetec Introduces StatLock IV Ultra Neonate

SAN DIEGO -- Venetec International today announced introduction of the StatLock® IV Ultra Neonate catheter securement device, the first catheter securement device designed specifically for IV catheters in the neonatal nursery.

StatLock IV Ultra Neonate replaces tape securement of peripheral IV catheters and is designed to provide significantly longer catheter dwell times in the neonatal nursery, where inadequate tape securement requires frequent, often difficult catheter restarts on premature babies and other infants. The new StatLock can reduce tape-related problems including complications and discomfort for neonates, costs related to unscheduled catheter restarts, and needlestick risk for nurses.

"Our use of the device indicated it allows neonatal IV catheters to remain in place longer than a regularly taped IV," said Jean Newbold, RN, MS, a clinical nurse specialist and pediatric nurse practitioner at Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, in Loma Linda, Calif. "The device makes the catheter more stable than with tape, thereby decreasing catheter movement that could otherwise lead to infiltration and damage an infant's skin and other tissues."

StatLock IV Ultra Neonate uses a custom-formulated adhesive on a breathable anchor pad that performs in both high- and low-humidity environments and is skin-safe, even for the fragile, underdeveloped skin of premature infants. With its flexible retainer and over-the-hub retainer design, IV Ultra Neonate is designed for problem-free securement in all anatomical locations. Unlike tape, StatLock IV Ultra Neonate has the advantage of providing full visibility of the insertion site.

"Nurses who were impressed with our StatLock IV Ultra devices for adult and pediatric patients have been asking for a similar device for the neonatal intensive care unit. This new StatLock design meets the NICU's unique needs," said Steve Bierman, MD, Venetec International's founder and inventor of the new device.

This new StatLock design for neonates improves babies' comfort in several ways. The device lifts the catheter hub off the baby's tender skin, rather than forcing the hard plastic against the skin, as taping does. Because catheters have longer dwell times with the device, neonates aren't stuck as often with an IV needle. The device is also latex-free and hypoallergenic.

This StatLock is designed exclusively for use with BD's Insyte-N Autoguard, the most frequently used safety catheter for neonates, and B. Braun's Introcan Safety catheters (non-winged versions). It comes in pink for baby girls and blue for baby boys.

Analysts estimate that approximately 3 million peripheral IVs are placed on neonates annually. The size of the market for securement devices securing neonatal peripheral IV catheters is estimated to be more than $20 million per year.

This StatLock is the second catheter securement device specifically developed by Venetec for neonatal applications. The first, StatLock Neonatal, is recommended primarily for securement of umbilical catheters, as well as other medical tubing.

"In addition to its clinical advantages, the new StatLock IV Ultra Neonate will help hospitals comply with OSHA needlestick-safety mandates designed to protect nurses and other healthcare workers," said Bierman. By reducing peripheral IV catheter restarts, the new device reduces the number of dangerous hollow-born needles used in the healthcare workplace, thereby lowering the risk of accidental needlesticks that can transmit bloodborne pathogens.

StatLock is used in more than 2,000 healthcare facilities worldwide, including Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, and the Cleveland Clinic. Custom StatLock designs are available for peripheral IV's, central venous, PICC, Foley and arterial catheters, as well as virtually all other medical catheters and tubes.

Source: Venetec International, Inc.