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Safe Place

The Problem

The insertion of very fine gauge catheters into the large vessels surrounding the heart, for the administration of drugs and food, is a routine part of looking after very tiny babies often weighing less than 1 kg. It is crucial that the end of the catheter sits in the large vein but must avoid the heart to prevent potentially fatal complications. Current practice is to insert a catheter through a vein into the region surrounding the heart using rules and measurements. Positioning of the catheter is then attempted using x-ray. However, such small catheters are often hard to visualise and expose the baby to harmful radiation.

The Solution

The Safe Place device developed by The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust enables the positioning of the catheters to be confirmed using ECG readings. This reliable device allows the accurate placement of catheters whilst reducing the reliance on x-ray images, greatly reducing the risk to the baby. NHS Innovations North licensed the device to healthcare company Vygon Limited in 2009 and is currently undergoing product development with a view to launching the product later in 2010.

For further information please contact NHS Innovations North on 0191 5164400 or email enquiry@nhsinnovationsnorth.org.uk.

29/Jul/2010

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