Smiths Medical and Nexus Medical Sign Distribution Agreement for Nexus TKO Anti-Reflux Needle-Free Technology
Press Release
By:
Ref: Business Wire
Published: 08/20/2012
The Nexus TKO® anti-reflux valve - proven to increase IV catheter patency by 51%1-complementing Smiths Medical's safety IV catheter portfolio
ST. PAUL, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Smiths Medical, a leading global medical device manufacturer, announced today that they have signed an agreement with Nexus Medical, LLC to distribute the company's family of Nexus TKO® anti-reflux needle free valves and extension sets in the U.S. and Canada.
Nexus Medical's TKO® (To Keep Open) devices are the world's first luer-activated needle-free products that include a pressure activated anti-reflux valve.
"The agreement with Nexus Medical will be a great addition to our safety business," said Regina McIntosh, Vice President, Regional Marketing. "This family of Nexus TKO® devices is the first needle-free anti-reflux technology provided by Smiths Medical, and we are excited to help our customers improve patient outcomes and reduce their overall IV therapy costs."
Blood reflux is one of the most common unintended consequences in IV therapy2. Blood can cause a build-up of bio-film inside the catheter which can potentially lead to a catheter-related blood stream infection. Connecting the Nexus TKO® anti-reflux device to IV catheters has proven to increase peripheral catheter life by over 51%1 and reduce cathflo/tPA usage in central catheters by greater than 65%1.
The Nexus TKO® family of anti-reflux devices is the only technology today with a clear, single-piece, straight fluid path which allows for easy viewing of medication. This unique anti-reflux capability helps prevent blood reflux (movement) into IV catheters from patient movement (coughing, sneezing, vomiting), syringe connection and disconnection, IV bags running dry, syringe plunger rebound and pressure from ventilators or other hospital equipment.
The Nexus TKO® anti-reflux valves will be available from Smiths Medical in August 2012.
- Jasinsky, RN, BSN, J. Wurster, RN, MSN, Occlusion Reduction and Heparin Elimination Trial using an Anti-Reflux Device on Peripheral and Central Intravenous Lines, Intravenous Nurses Society, January/February 2009: 33-39.
- Hadaway, RN, C, CRNI, Med, Reopening the Pipeline, Nursing2005, Volume 35.
About Nexus Medical, LLC
Nexus Medical www.nexusmedical.com is a privately held designer, manufacturer and supplier of infusion therapy products. Nexus Medical developed and supplies the family of Nexus TKO® anti-reflux devices and extension sets.
About Smiths Medical
Smiths Medicalwww.smiths-medical.com is a leading supplier of specialized medical devices and equipment for global markets, focusing on the medication delivery, vital care and safety devices market segments. It is part of Smiths Group www.smiths.com, a global leader in applying advanced technologies for markets in threat and contraband detection, energy, medical devices, communications and engineered components. Smiths Group employs around 22,000 people in more than 50 countries.
Smiths Medical
Judith Rossi, 781-792-2539
judy.rossi@smiths-medical.com