Power-Injectable Central Catheter

A peripherally inserted central catheter has been approved for high-flow-rate injection of contrast media during interventional procedures and radiology imaging.

The OmniPICC PI, manufactured by Rita Medical Systems (Fremont, CA, USA), is a power injectable (PI) peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC), designed to allow clinicians to inject patients at high-flow rates for the delivery of contrast media used to enhance the visualization of blood vessels and other biologic structures during interventional procedures and radiologic imaging. The device has received the approval of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The company is pursuing the CE mark for distribution in Europe.

Conventional PICC lines are routinely used for repeated and prolonged access to the venous system. The OmniPICC differs from a conventional PICC line by also allowing a physician to inject contrast media into a patient's vascular system at high-flow rates of up to 5 ml/sec at power injection settings of 300 psi. High-injection pressures and flow rates are necessary to adequately disperse contrast media throughout the body. The ability to use one catheter for both venous access and to inject imaging contrast and other high-flow-rate agents in patients offers several benefits, including improved patient comfort, safety, and convenience, and cost-savings for the healthcare provider system.



Related Links:
Rita Medical Systems