TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--For the first time, the Cook Medical Spectrum® Turbo-Ject® PICC, a critical component in eliminating potentially fatal catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs), is available in Canada. The product, impregnated with the antibiotics minocycline and rifampin, is being introduced to the Canadian market at the Canadian Vascular Access Association’s 36th Annual Conference in Toronto being held October 19-21, 2011.
According to a World Health Organization report, the hospital-acquired infection (HAI) rate in Canada is about 11.6 percent,1 one of the highest among developed countries. Combined with industry standard processes, Spectrum technology will play a critical role in helping to lower CRBSI rates, improving patient care and reducing healthcare costs. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reported that treatment cost of a CRBSI is estimated at $16,550 US per infection.2 In addition, Spectrum PICCs are the only PICCs available that meet the newly released 1A recommendation from the CDC for reducing CRBSI if maximal sterile barrier precautions haven’t helped a facility reach its goal.3
The Spectrum Turbo-Ject PICC, the industry’s first power-injection antibiotic-impregnated peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC), is capable of delivering contrast media at the injection rates required for CT scans. Patients receiving Spectrum Turbo-Ject PICC lines can benefit from reduced infection risk because of the technology’s proven combination of the antibiotics of minocycline and rifampin.
“The Spectrum Turbo-Ject PICC is already a mainstay in safeguarding against potentially deadly CRBSIs around the world, and we look forward to providing this technology to patients in Canada,” said Dan Sirota, vice president and global leader of Cook Medical’s Interventional Radiology division. “Cook is committed to developing technologies that improve clinical outcomes while decreasing healthcare costs, and the Canadian launch of Spectrum technology further demonstrates Cook’s dedication to improving patient care worldwide.”
Numerous peer-reviewed publications, including a landmark study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, have demonstrated both the safety and efficacy of Spectrum technology in preventing CRBSIs. Spectrum technology has been shown to establish zones of inhibition greater than 15 mm for up to 63 days against the leading cause of CRBSIs.4
Unlike most systemic antibiotics, this unique combination has the ability to penetrate the biofilm that forms on all indwelling catheters.5 Additionally, research has shown that use of these catheters does not promote the growth of antibiotic-resistant strains of bacteria in patients receiving Spectrum catheters. In fact, the use of Spectrum technology has demonstrated reduced antibiotic-resistant strains in one single-center study6.
Dr. Issam Raad and Dr. Rabih Darouiche’s institutions receive royalties for sale of select Cook Medical’s products.
About Cook Medical
Founded in 1963, Cook Medical pioneered many of the medical devices now commonly used to perform minimally invasive medical procedures throughout the body. Today, the company integrates medical devices, drugs and biologic grafts to enhance patient safety and improve clinical outcomes. Since its inception, Cook has operated as a family-held private corporation. For more information, visit www.cookmedical.com. Follow Cook Medical on Twitter @CookMedicalPR and @Cook_IR.
1 World Health Organization, (2011). Burden of health care-associated infection worldwide. Retrieved from http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications
2 Department of Health & Human Services, Vital Signs: Central Line-Associated Blood Stream Infections – United States, 2001, 2008, and 2009: 2011. Washington, DC: Centers for Disease Control
3 Department of Health & Human Services. Guidelines for the prevention of intravascular catheter-related infections, 2011: 2011. Washington, DC: Centers for Disease Control.
4 Cook Medical data on file.
5 Raad, I Hanna H, Jiang Y, et al. Comparative activities of daptomycin, linezoid, and tigecycline against catheter-related methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus bacteremic isolates embedded in biofilm. Antimicrob Agents Chemother. 2007; 51(5):1656-1660.
6 Ramos E, Jiang Y, Hachem R, et al. Is the prolonged use of minocycline/rifampin coated catheters (M/R CVC) associated with increased resistance: a seven year experience in a tertiary cancer center. Paper presented at: The Society of Healthcare and Epidemiology of America 18th Annual Scientific Meeting; Orlando, FL. April 5-8. 2008.
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