Anyone using this device yet?
Access Scientific recently obtained FDA approval for a product called “POWERWAND” ( a 3.1 inch power-injectable, extended-dwell catheter) which is intended for intravenous placement in the upper arm preferably a mid-biceps insertion site, and tip location distal to the axillary vein. According to the 510(k), the indications for use are described as: “ The POWERWAND” Safety introducer with an extended dwell catheter is used to gain access to the vascular system to sample blood and administer fluids intravenously. May be used for power injection of contrast media at a rate of 5cc/second at up to 300 psi fluid pressure.” Extended dwell in the FDA 510k document is defined as greater than 72 hours but less than 30 days.
Has anyone implemented this device in their facility and what has been your experience (i.e., ease-of-use, indications for use, type of complications seen and how frequently).
Does anyone know why this device was limited to less than 30 days? (Sales rep did not appropriately answer this question.)
How do you ensure device comes out at less than 30 days per manufacturer’s instructions?
I would also like to read more about this, especially studies for the power CT use. I recently place a PIV for a CT study and 100ml of contrast went into her arm -- I definitely had at least 1/2 of the catheter length dwelling in the vein. Makes me feel terrible for the patient -- perhaps a longer catheter is better?
This reminds me of a short midline (7.5cm vs. 20cm) so I wonder if the less-than 30 dwell time is related to that?
Would also like to read about obtaining a blood return from this catheter.
I was just looking up information today about the Power Wand. I really think there's a need for it. When I'm called to start a difficult IV using ultrasound, I evaluate the veins of the upper arms. I'm sure there are many people who've experienced the increased risk of infiltration with IV's started in the upper arms due to flabbier skin issues. Not to mention it's more difficult to assess whether the IV is infiltrating or not because of all the loose skin. I think the 3.1 inch Power Wand would be a wonderful option for those "hard stick" patients. Yes you can draw blood from this catheter, and it can only dwell for 30 days because it is considered a midline catheter. It's rather expensive, around $75, I think. But if you consider that every unsuccessful IV attempt costs about $25, then it might be a wash, and you might even be ahead!
Here's the link to the Power Wand website with Access Scientific http://www.accessscientific.com/html/products-power-wand.html
Ann Armstrong (no affiliation with any company)
PICC Nurse, Midland, MI
Ann Armstrong, RN
PICC Lines
MidMichigan Medical Center, Midland
The FDA clearance for the Power Wand states it is a "short term" catheter. The FDA defines "short term" as less than 30 days. The FDA has to approve the instructions for use for all devices.
Also, the length of this device classifies it as a Midline according to INS guidelines (catheters longer than 3 inches), the INS guidelines limit dwell time for Midlines to 4 weeks or less.
Chris Cavanaugh, RN, BSN, CRNI, VA-BC
The FDA clearance for the Power Wand states it is a "short term" catheter. The FDA defines "short term" as less than 30 days. The FDA has to approve the instructions for use for all devices.
Also, the length of this device classifies it as a Midline according to INS guidelines (catheters longer than 3 inches), the INS guidelines limit dwell time for Midlines to 4 weeks or less.
Chris Cavanaugh, RN, BSN, CRNI, VA-BC
2011 Infusion Nursing Standards of Practice have omitted the 3 inch length as the criteria for a midline catheter. We could not find any evidence for this being the required minimum length. Lynn
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
126 Main Street, PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861
Great device for those "bad sticks" who need more advanced diagnostics but don't really need the PICC, fairly simple once you use it a few times.
Is there any special training required to use the Powerwand? Valorie
Valorie Dunn,BSN, RN, CRNI, PLNC