New Clinical Study Shows RyMed Technologies InVision-Plus(R) IV Connector Dramatically Reduced Catheter-Related Bloodstream Infections by Over 92%

FRANKLIN, Tenn., Feb. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Health Sciences University, Augusta, GA exhibited a poster at the recent 11th National Conference on Cancer Nursing Research in Los Angeles, in which their clinical study showed RyMed Technologies' zero displacement InVision-Plus® IV Connector significantly decreased the incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CR-BSIs) by 92.6% on average when compared to a simple split septum with negative displacement IV connector (Becton-Dickinson Q-Syte®) and a reversed split-septum device with negative displacement IV connector (ICU Medical Clave®). No clinical studies have been published comparing different types of connectors in oncology patients on CR-BSIs. CR-BSIs can cause treatment delays, add time to nursing care, increase costs, increase mortality and decrease quality of life for the patient and family.

The purpose of the study was to determine infection rates for a split septum valve, a negative reversed split-septum valve and an intraluminal protection device (IPD) with zero displacement in both critical care and medical in-patient oncology patients.

Detailed results:

• CR-BSI incidences decreased 96.3%, from 2.9 to 0.1 infections per 1,000 catheter days, when the RyMed InVision-Plus® needleless IV connector was used compared to the Becton-Dickinson's Q-Syte® product.

• CR-BSI incidences decreased 88.9%, from 3.7 to 0.4 infections per 1,000 catheter days, when the RyMed InVision-Plus® needleless IV connector was used compared to the ICU Medical Clave® product.

• Overall, 92.6% decrease in infection rate was found when using the RyMed InVision-Plus® with Neutral Advantage technology.

Leading the study was Dr. Cynthia C. Chernecky PhD, RN, AOCN, FAAN, Jennifer Waller, PhD both from Georgia Health Sciences University; and Denise Macklin, BSN, RNC.

Dr. Chernecky stated, "Decreasing infections is essential to quality nursing care in oncology. The use of best product when added to other nursing interventions is essential as it can enable best outcomes for treatments and ultimately quality of life and a decrease in mortality".

"This new clinical data continues to demonstrate the superior design features of RyMed's InVision-Plus® needleless IV connector technology and how they have a significant positive patient safety impact among the cancer patient population," said Dana Wm. Ryan, President & CEO, RyMed Technologies, Inc.

This poster presentation by Dr. Chernecky was preceded by another in which she highlighted similar success by the RyMed product in decreasing intraluminal thrombotic occlusions compared to a negative displacement mechanical valve. Additionally, Chernecky also delivered a podium presentation discussing new data on the apparent ineffectiveness of other silver coated needleless IV connectors.

Catheter-related bloodstream infection (CR-BSI) continues to be one of the most frequent hospital acquired infections (HAIs) reported by hospitals nationwide. It has been reported that a patient that develops a CR-BSI could die up to 25% of the time, and the industry is discovering that RyMed's InVision-Plus® technology with zero fluid displacement is going to save many lives.

About RyMed Technologies, Inc.

Founded in 1994, RyMed Technologies specializes in the development and marketing of innovative safety products in the field of intravenous catheter care management. The company's products are designed to help reduce catheter-related bloodstream infections (CR-BSIs) and intraluminal thrombotic catheter occlusions associated with needleless IV connectors. More than 10 years of research and development have gone into InVision-Plus® IV Connector. In January, 2011 the Company introduced the first chlorhexidine/silver ion technology with the new InVision-Plus® CS. For more information, call (615) 790-8093 or access www.rymedtech.com.

SOURCE RyMed Technologies, Inc.