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January 27, 2010—Access Scientific, Inc. (San Diego, CA) announced that it has received clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration for the PICC Wand, which enables clinicians to insert a peelable sheath for peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) or midline catheter placement using the accelerated Seldinger technique. The PICC Wand is designed to be used primarily by vascular nurse specialists for insertion of PICCs.

According to the company, the PICC Wand’s unitary design combines all components of the older, modified Seldinger technique (the needle, guidewire, dilator, and sheath) into one device that also protects against accidental needlesticks. Its "Fast-flash" feature provides early detection of vessel entry.

The device’s safety introducer with peelable sheath is designed to reduce the risk of accidental needlesticks, bleeding, contamination, guidewire embolism, and loss of cannulation. Air embolism is among the patient risks of modified Seldinger technique that are reduced by the Wand and its accelerated Seldinger technique. Beginning in October 2008, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services ceased reimbursing health care institutions for air embolism, which the agency considers preventable. The average cost to treat this complication, which can be fatal, is estimated at $66,000 per case, the company noted.

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