The idea of a needleless blood draw can inspire an inquisitive head tilt initially. How does that work? But Velano Vascular has created an innovative way to do just that with its disposable needle free blood collection device, which allows practitioners to collect blood via a tube that is advanced through a patients IV.
Cleveland-based University Hospitals Case Medical Center announced today its collaboration with Velano, making it the first major U.S. academic medical center to commercially adopt the company’s PIVO innovation. It will be launched initially at UH’s Telemetry and Cardiac Intensive Care units.
When Investment Rhymes with Canada
Canada has a proud history of achievement in the areas of science and technology, and the field of biomanufacturing and life sciences is no exception.
There are multiple reasons why a needleless blood draw is beneficial. Many people are afraid of needles, not just children, they can be painful and some people have difficult-to-access or fragile veins. But there are also safety concerns. There are risks of infection for patients and also a risk of an accidental prick for practitioners.
In addition to those concerns, using the FDA-approved PIVO device allows for blood draws to take place without multiple pricks because an IV is already in place, which makes patient care more comfortable but also allows practitioners to take draws even when a patient is sleeping.
When more than 400 million blood draws annually inform as much as 70 percent of all clinical decisions in U.S. hospitals alone, this is an area primed for new innovation and alternatives.
“Within a hospital setting, the blood draw is one of the most common yet most critical aspects of patient care,” Cheryl O’Malley, Vice President of Medical-Surgical Service, UH Case Medical Center, said in a statement. “We are excited to
explore the potential for pain and stress-free inpatient venous blood draws for patients and practitioners alike, and believe the Velano technology holds enormous potential for both patient experience and improved healing.”
Velano Vascular announced an additional $3.5 million round of financing back in February for further commercialization.
“We are excited to work with one of the world’s most innovative health systems in
University Hospitals to reduce the pain, risk and inefficiencies of traditional blood
collection practices,” Velano Vascular CEO Eric M. Stone said in a statement.
Photo: Courtesy of Velano Vascular
