Low rates of major PICC-associated complications attributed in-part to the novel BioFlo catheter material

Data to be presented at AngioDynamics-sponsored symposium at the annual scientific meeting of the Association for Vascular Access

ALBANY, N.Y., Sept. 14, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) --  AngioDynamics (NASDAQ:ANGO), a leading provider of innovative, minimally invasive medical devices for vascular access, surgery, peripheral vascular disease and oncology, announced today the publication of a nurse-led, peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) study in the July 4, 2017 edition of CMAJ Open. The research concluded that low rates of major PICC-associated complications are attributed in-part to the novel BioFlo catheter material, as well as a nurse-led expert insertion team, standardized care and maintenance protocols, high insertion volumes and continuous quality improvement initiatives. CMAJ Open is an online medical and health research journal of the Canadian Medical Association.

Lead researcher, Sheryl McDiarmid, RN, the Advanced Practice Nurse in the Corporate Vascular Access Program at The Ottawa Hospital, will be presenting results from the study at Platinum Showcase: BioFlo PICC Experiences Around the World, a symposium sponsored by AngioDynamics, at 5:15pm MT on Monday, September 18 at the annual scientific meeting of the Association for Vascular Access (AVA).

McDiarmid, along with her colleagues Nicholas Scrivens, BSc, Marc Carrier, MD, Elham Sabri, MSc, Baldwin Toye, MD, Lothar Huebsch, MD, and Dean Fergusson, PhD, concluded that the considerable benefits PICCs provide to patients are attained with low risk of major complications. In the study, the researchers randomly selected 656 patients to evaluate, totaling 58,456 catheter days. Key data summary points include an infection rate of 0.07/1000 catheter days, catheter-related deep vein thrombosis rate of 0.17/1000 catheter days and an occlusion rate of 11.44.  

Many of the complication rates seen in this study were lower than previously reported in the literature and can translate to improved patient outcomes. The lower rates were attributed to an experienced nurse-led team, high insertion volumes, standardized protocols for care and maintenance, novel catheter material (BioFlo) and continuous quality improvement initiatives that are implemented and evaluated regularly. The study is available online now and can be found at http://cmajopen.ca/content/5/3/E535.full.

This study was partially funded by a grant provided by AngioDynamics.

In addition to McDiarmid’s presentation on research from Canada, other presenters at the BioFlo PICC Experiences Around the World Platinum Showcase will include Marcia Nascimento Bezerra, Advanced Practice Nurse and PICC Nurse Specialist from the Hospital Santa Catarina in Brazil, Tricia Kleidon, RN, BSc, Grad Dip, MNSc, Nurse Practitioner for the Pediatric Vascular Assessment and Management Service at Lady Cilento Children’s Hospital in Australia, and Nicole C. Gavin, BSc (Hons), MAdvPrac (HealthcareResearch), PhD(C), Acting Nurse Researcher at Royal Brisbane & Women's Hospital in Australia. Representatives from AngioDynamics will be available throughout the AVA scientific conference at booth 331 in the Exhibit Hall.

About BioFlo with Endexo Technology
BioFlo is the only catheter on the market with Endexo Technology, a material more resistant to thrombus accumulation, in-vitro (based on platelet count).¹ Endexo Technology is a permanent and non-eluting polymer that is “blended” into the polyurethane from which the catheter is made. It is present throughout the catheter, including extraluminal, intraluminal and cut catheter surface of the tip. Endexo Technology remains present for the life of the catheter. BioFlo catheters are available across AngioDynamics’ Vascular Access family of products, including PICCs, midlines, implantable ports and dialysis catheters.

About AngioDynamics
AngioDynamics Inc. is a leading provider of innovative, minimally invasive medical devices used by professional healthcare providers for vascular access, surgery, peripheral vascular disease and oncology. AngioDynamics’ diverse product lines include market-leading ablation systems, fluid management systems, vascular access products, angiographic products and accessories, drainage products, thrombolytic products and venous products. More information is available at www.AngioDynamics.com.

Trademarks
AngioDynamics, the AngioDynamics logo and BioFlo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of AngioDynamics Inc., an affiliate or a subsidiary. Endexo is a trademark and/or registered trademark of Interface Biologics, Inc.

¹ The reduction in thrombus accumulation (based on platelet count) is supported by acute in-vitro testing. Pre-clinical in-vitro evaluations do not necessarily predict clinical performance with respect to thrombus formation.

Contact Information:
Caitlin Stefanik
AngioDynamics
cstefanik@angiodynamics.com 
518-795-1418