Cook Medical launches EchoTip needle

Cook Medical has announced the introduction of the Cook EchoTip Echogenic needle. The product is designed to enhance the visibility of the needle during ultrasound imaging.

The company has improved the echogenic characteristics of its needles for blood sampling, administration of drugs and fluids and venous pressure monitoring using its central venous catheters and Thal-Quick chest tube sets and trays.

Cook Medical reports that the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality recommends ultrasound guidance for needle placements, while the company reports that its new needles reduce the need for multiple punctures as the success rate for first attempt of venous access is increased.

The agency adds that ultrasound guidance has a number of benefits for patient safety in addition to observation of the needle, including a low cost to hospitals and lack of ionising radiation.

Bruce Gingles, global leader of Cook Medical’s critical care division, said: “Cook’s central venous catheters are the only catheters on the market with echogenic needles, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to medical innovation and patient safety.”

Last month, Cook Endovascular Therapies announced a partnership with the International Society for Vascular Surgery to form a training fellowship supported by grant awards from the company.