Study Finds Intraosseous Vascular Access Devices Are Safe, Effective and Cost Less than Central Venous Catheters in Hospital Setting

SAN ANTONIO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The results of an observational study comparing the use of intraosseous (IO) vascular access devices to central venous catheters found that IO can be used with equal safety and efficacy, and at a significantly lower cost, for patients in a hospital setting. The findings were published in an article available online (subscription required) in the Journal of Vascular Access by Michael Dolister, MD with research support from the Science and Clinical team from Vidacare Corporation, makers of the EZ-IO^® Intraosseous Vascular Access System.

“Intraosseous vascular access is safe, effective and costs less than central venous catheters for patients in the hospital setting”

The article, “Intraosseous vascular access is safe, effective and costs less than central venous catheters for patients in the hospital setting,” assessed intraosseous vascular access devices in the hospital setting and compared results to published experiences with central venous catheter placement. The six site, 105-patient study found:

• Success rate of 94% in establishing IO vascular access on first attempt;
• Mean time to vascular access using IO route of 104 seconds;
• A savings of $195 per patient compared to cost of central venous catheters (CVCs) (excluding ultrasound guidance and assuming no complications).

The authors conclude: “The data revealed faster and more successful IO catheter placement than reported for CVCs, few complications and high user satisfaction. For simple placements, cost savings for IO access versus CVCs was $195/procedure. If 20 percent of the 3.5 million CVCs placed annually were replaced with IO catheters, cost savings could approach $650 million each year. We conclude that IO access in place of CVCs delivers high value in terms of being a safe, fast and effective mode of vascular access for patients in the hospital setting, with potentially substantial cost savings. These data indicate that IO access is a cost effective and viable alternative to problematic CVC lines.”

Vidacare’s EZ-IO^® should be used anytime in which vascular access is difficult to obtain in emergent, urgent, or medically necessary cases. As with any vascular access site, the IO insertion site should be monitored frequently. IO should only be used when landmarks can be clearly identified.

The research study used the EZ-IO^® Intraosseous Vascular Access System – the first battery-powered device to establish immediate intraosseous vascular access and the only IO device which is FDA cleared for humeral insertion. The EZ-IO^® is used by 90 percent of US advanced life support ambulances and over half of US Emergency Departments, as well as the US Military.

Established in 2001, Vidacare Corporation is the pioneer of a broad technology platform for accessing the intraosseous (inside the bone) space. Current products include the EZ-IO^® System, the OnControl^® Bone Marrow System and the OnControl^® Bone Access System. Applications include vascular access, emergency and disaster medicine, hematology/oncology and spinal procedures. Privately held, the company is based in San Antonio, Texas, and its products are marketed in over 50 countries worldwide.