Lake Health Uses X-Ray Free Technology For More Accurate Placement of Central Catheters

Technology enhances patient care, eliminates radiation exposure

CONCORD TOWNSHIP, Ohio, July 23, 2012 - Lake Health is the first health care system in Northeast Ohio, and one of only ten in the state, to implement a new technology to improve the placement of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) lines. The FDA approved device, Sapiens TCS by Bard Access Systems, provides real-time PICC tip location information without the use of x-ray, thereby eliminating radiation exposure and reducing procedure time.
 
PICC lines are used for patients undergoing prolonged treatments such as intravenous nutrition, antibiotic therapy or chemotherapy. A PICC is a thin, flexible tube that is inserted into one of the veins in the upper arm and then threaded through increasingly larger veins towards the heart until the tip rests at its desired location.  The catheter can remain in place days, weeks and even several months, which means fewer needle pokes and less pain.
 
In the past, a chest x-ray was needed to confirm final placement of the lines. Using the Sapiens TCS (Tip Confirmation System), Lake Health's team of specially trained registered nurses are now able to verify accurate PICC placement at the bedside by through the patient's electrical cardiac activity alone.
 
The system uses ultrasound for vessel assessment, access and real-time guidance as the catheter is threaded through the veins. Magnetic tip tracking, using the Sherlock Tip Location device placed on the patient's chest, provides audible and visual signals to pinpoint tip position. The Sapiens monitor provides an ongoing real-time ECG for faster and more accurate tip positioning so infusion therapy can begin immediately.
 
"As a community hospital, we're committed to implementing innovative technologies that enhance patient care and safety. This technology enables us to provide unparalleled intravenous access so that patients can be treated quickly, effectively and with the least amount of risk possible," explained Lake Health board-certified vascular surgeon David Rollins, M.D.

About Lake Health
For ten consecutive years NorthCoast 99 has named Lake Health one of the 99 Best Places to work in Northeast Ohio. Dedicated to redefining health care in Northeast Ohio, Lake Health provides patient- and family-centered care that promotes a lifetime of health and wellness. Lake Health delivers progressive, compassionate health care through 16 state-of-the-art facilities staffed by more than 500 physicians and 2,700 health care professionals. To learn more, visit www.lakehealth.org or follow @LakeHealth on Twitter.
 

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