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Medical Schools Nationwide Introducing Students to EZ-IO(R)

Posted on: Monday, 3 March 2008, 09:01 CST

Des Moines University College of Osteopathic Medicine, one of the largest medical schools in the country, is implementing the EZ-IO product system into the emergency medicine syllabus, encouraging students to embrace cutting-edge vascular technology in Des Moines, Iowa. The intraosseous (IO) device was also recently introduced into the curriculum at Emory University School of Medicine and continues to be a staple in residency and graduate programs across the country.

Des Moines University will begin training students on the EZ-IO technology in mid-April. The power driver and patented needle set is being taught as a part of the human simulation lab offered to first and second-year medical students, and students in the physical therapy and physician assistant programs.

Typically, medical students concentrate on the ability to place intravenous (IV) lines and central venous catheters (central lines) during vascular access courses. These options allow for fluids, drugs, and blood products to be administered to critically ill or injured patients. However, in a significant percentage of patients, successfully placing peripheral IVs can be time-consuming or impossible, causing delays in patient care. Until recently physicians had no option other than placement of a central line in unstable patients with difficult peripheral vascular access.

"The EZ-IO device will be an important component of the pediatric program in the human simulation lab," stated Roberta Baldus, PA-C, Instructor for the Physician Assistant program at Des Moines University. "As a flight nurse, I was introduced to this technology several years ago. Since then, it's gained wide acceptance as a first-line option for critically ill and injured patients, and it's crucial that the students in our medical programs understand how fast and effective it can be in saving lives."

The EZ-IO product system provides a viable alternative to traditional intravenous (IV) access, which is often difficult to obtain in patients whose veins have collapsed as a result of trauma or dehydration. The system enables emergency health professionals to drill inside the bone, providing for the rapid, secure and safe delivery of lifesaving drugs and fluids.

The American Heart Association (AHA) recently revised its guidelines for advanced cardiac life support (ACLS), now recommending IO as the first alternative to IV for cardiac arrest. Previously, the first alternative was endotracheal tube administration of drugs, which is now recognized to be ineffective, according to the AHA.

The product system has been adopted and successfully utilized by approximately 1,800 EMS systems and over 1,400 hospitals across the U.S. and Canada.

About Vidacare Corporation

Vidacare® is the leading developer, manufacturer and marketer of advanced intraosseous (IO) access technology for multiple diagnostic, monitoring and therapeutic applications. The company's initial product line, the EZ-IO® product system by Vidacare, serves the emergent care industry as the world's only lithium-battery powered drill and patented needle set for gaining immediate vascular access when conventional IV access is difficult or impossible. Vidacare's suite of hematology/oncology products includes a power driver and specially-designed needle sets for bone marrow aspiration and biopsy. The OnControl™ Aspiration System by Vidacare represents the first in this series of products and will be commercially available in June 2007. Headquartered in San Antonio, Texas, Vidacare was founded in 2001. For more information, visit www.vidacare.com.

Source: Business Wire

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