Intraosseous Vascular Access System Saves Lives

A rapid intraosseous (IO) vascular access system delivers vital fluids and drugs to the body's largest noncollapsible vein, assisting injured soldiers safely and quickly.

The Vidacare (San Antonio, TX, USA) Tactically Advanced Lifesaving Intraosseous Needle (TALON) is a novel single needle solution for vascular access that provides combat life savers and medics with rapid and accurate manual IO access to seven sites : the left and right proximal tibia (below the knee), the left and right distal tibia (at ankle level), the left and right proximal humerus, and the sternum. The system is a nonpowered vascular access option that complements the company’s powered EZ-IO vascular access system.

The device is designed to provide battlefield responders a tactical advantage needed in the combat zone via its lightweight and minimal cube design, proven ability to gain vascular access quickly and safely, and versatility, since no additional IO vascular access gear or tools are needed. The IO insertion site should be monitored frequently, and the system should be used only when anatomical landmarks can be clearly identified.

“This system is designed specifically to address the needs and concerns of military personnel treating patients under strenuous conditions,” said Mark Mellin, President and CEO of Vidacare. “The TALON system will help achieve vascular access and save lives when seconds count.”

Intraosseous infusion is the process of injecting directly into bone marrow to provide a noncollapsible entry point into the systemic venous system. The technique is used in emergencies to provide fluids and medication when intravenous (IV) access is not available or not feasible. IO access is the preferred method of establishing vascular access for patients in whom traditional access is difficult or impossible, such as patients experiencing cardiac arrest, major trauma, airway compromise, severe dehydration, and/or hypoperfusion.

IO is also an alternative route for patients who typically have poor peripheral vasculature or challenging vascular access such as diabetics, renal patients, burn victims, IV drug users, obese patients, dehydrated patients, the very young or elderly patients, and others.

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