FDA APPROVES RETRACTABLE TECHNOLOGIES' VANISHPOINT SAFETY IV CATHETER

Retractable Technologies has received FDA 510(k) approval to market its new VanishPoint automated retraction intravenous (IV) catheter. The device is expected to be available in a variety of sizes by the end of December.

The VanishPoint IV catheter utilizes patented automated retraction technology similar to that of the VanishPoint syringe and blood collection tube holder. The catheter is designed to allow clinicians to introduce the catheter into a vein or artery using a technique similar to what they would use with a conventional catheter. Before removing the introducer needle, the clinician activates the safety mechanism, which automatically retracts the needle into the handle of the introducer, substantially reducing the risk of a needlestick injury.

Needlestick injuries resulting from the use of intravenous devices are at high risk for disease transmission, since the needles are usually filled with blood.