Companies Launch Intraosseous Vascular Access System

Vidacare Corp. and Combat Medical Systems are lending a helping hand to battlefield medics.

The two companies launched a single-needle vascular access system at this week’s 2013 Military Health System Research Symposium in Fort Lauderdale, Fla. In a news release, Vidacare describes the Tactically Advanced Lifesaving Intraosseous Needle (TALON) as a product that helps combat medics with fast and accurate manual IO access to seven U.S. Food and Drug Administration-cleared intraosseous (IO) sites, including the proxmal tibia (below the knee), distal tibia (ankle), proximal humerus (shoulder) and sternum. The TALON, executives claim, is the first IOsystem to meet all recommendations for IO devices from the Committee onTactical Casualty Care.

TALON provides rapid vascular access through the IO (inside bone) space and helps deliver vital fluids and drugs through the body’s largest non-collapsible vein to injured soldiers. The needle’s light weight and minimal cube design as well as its lack of additional IO vascular access gear or tools make the TALON an ideal medical instrument for the battlefield.

“The 7-site access achievable with TALON will give medical responders a distinct life-saving advantage during casualty resuscitation. We are excited to launch this device with Vidacare, and we are certain it will have an immediate positive impact in tactical medicine,” Combat Medical Systems President CoreyRuss noted.

TALON is a non-powered vascular access option that complements Vidacare’s powered EZ-IO Intraosseous Vascular Access System. Executives expect the device to be commercially available in the UnitedStates in October.

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

Based inSan Antonio, Texas, Vidacare develops technology used to access the intraosseous (inside the bone) space in vascular access, emergency/disaster medicine, oncology and spinal surgery. Its current products – the EZ-IO Intraosseous Vascular Access System and the OnControl Bone Access System – are marketed in more than 50 countries worldwide.

Combat Medical Systems was founded in 2008 by a team of experienced military medical personnel and industry product specialists intent on simplifying tactical medicine. The firm is headquartered in Fayetteville, N.C.