Does it not seem redundant to have a valve in the catheter and a valve in
the end cap? I would much prefer to change a valve than have one that will
collect blood and fibrin for the life of the catheter.
Actually there are several good reasons to have a valve in the proximal end of a PICC. Let me outline those for you:
 1.     The hospital no longer has to rely on expensive needleless injection caps to achieve a saline care and maintenance protocol. 2.     Removing a syringe from a catheter can cause negative displacement or “reflux†of blood into the catheter. Blood in the catheter tip may cause catheter occlusions. The PowerPICC SOLO* catheter valve leads to less blood reflux into the distal end of the catheter than occurs with an open-ended PICC.3.     The necessity for clamping PICC extension legs is negated by the nature of the proximal valve technology which promotes a closed system, negating the need for clamps.4.     The PowerPICC SOLO* catheter and the absence of the clamps simplifies the flushing technique when compared to or when used with needleless injection caps. When relying on needleless injection caps for saline care and maintenance on an open-ended catheter, it is important that the clinician follow the proper clamping sequence to ensure that the needleless injection cap functions properly. The sequence of removing the syringe before or after clamping the extension leg varies for different brands of caps, and can be confusing. Using an incorrect clamping sequence can lead to possible catheter occlusions, as well as negating the pressure properties of the needleless injection caps. Because the PowerPICC SOLO* catheter does not have clamps, clamping sequence is not an issue for the valve to properly function. In reality, the design of the PowerPICC SOLO* valve creates turbulence around the valve during the flushing sequence. When a PowerPICC SOLO* catheter was flushed according to IFU recommendations, the PowerPICC SOLO* catheter exhibited less residual hemoglobin than currently marketed open-ended and proximally valved  catheters.  To that end, the PowerPICC SOLO* catheter valve does not collect blood or fibrin, nor other infusates.Â
Combine all of these attributes and it is clear to see why a properly designed proximal valved catheter can provide great benefit to the clinician and the patient.Â
I appreciate you information Paul on your company's new product release, BUT this is an example of clear cut promotion of specific brand name product. Perhaps it would be better served if you simply directed the nurses to your web site.
Sincerely,
Cheryl Kelley
Cheryl Kelley RN BSN, VA-BC
My question would be why does BARD reccommend putting a needleless injection site on the end of there Solo? Does it not work?
ValveMan