SickKids acquires new and improved IV pumps

TORONTO – CareFusion, a leading global medical technology company, has announced the Canadian launch of the Alaris System to help improve IV medication safety. The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto is the first hospital to adopt the new Guardrails Suite MX safety software.

The new version of Guardrails Suite MX safety software contains a number of improvements that help clinicians ensure the correct dosing and rate of infusions by providing better visibility to any programmed value that exceeds a Guardrails limit.

In addition, the new version for Canada includes enhanced protection for infant and pediatric infusions where weight is a critical factor in drug and fluid dosages and protection.

Support for million unit dosing and nanogram precision of up to five digits for concentration limits are supported for adults, children and infants. The new system provides device notification of non-Guardrails programming and can alert the clinician when there is an unintentional closed clamp on a secondary infusion when used in conjunction with CareFusion secondary infusion sets.

“Patient safety is at the core of this latest release, with enhanced protection against medication errors and improved workflow to increase safety software compliance,” said J.C. Kyrillos, senior vice president and general manager of infusion for CareFusion. “The new release provides additional therapy-specific dosing, enhanced messaging for clinicians and earlier notifications of certain alarm conditions, reaffirming our position as a market and clinical leader.”

“These recent enhancements support neonatal and pediatric IV therapy and medication administration,” said Helen Edwards (pictured), Director of Clinical Informatics and Technology Assisted Program at SickKids. “CareFusion provided support to front-line staff throughout the implementation process, which involved upgrading more than 2,000 pump units used across the entire hospital – in all inpatient, outpatient and surgical settings.”

The Alaris System is one of the most comprehensive IV medication safety systems available. Built on a modular platform, the Alaris System with Guardrails Suite MX safety software provides safety beyond just dose error reduction. It is the only smart pump that can protect every infusion, including intermittents and all infusion modalities, including large volume pump, PCA and syringe, the company said. The new Alaris System received approval from Health Canada and is currently in Limited Commercial Release.

About CareFusion

CareFusion is a global corporation serving the healthcare industry with products and services that help hospitals measurably improve the safety and quality of care. The company develops industry-leading technologies including Alaris infusion pumps, Pyxis automated dispensing and patient identification systems, Rowa automation solutions,  AVEA, AirLife, LTV, Infant Flow SiPAP System, 3100 HFOV and CLiO2 series ventilation and respiratory products, ChloraPrep skin prep products, V. Mueller surgical instruments, PleurX drainage system and an extensive line of products that support interventional medicine. CareFusion employs approximately 15,000 people across its global operations. More information may be found at www.carefusion.com.