Caretaker Medical Offers Hospitals an Innovative Solution to the Thermodilution Catheter Shortage
Persistent supply challenges affecting continuous cardiac output (CCO) thermodilution catheters are impacting hospitals worldwide. In response, Caretaker Medical is ramping up efforts to increase awareness of its FDA-cleared wireless, wearable continuous cardiac output monitor system, VitalStream, to ensure patient care is not impacted.
The ongoing scarcity of CCO thermodilution catheters can present a significant challenge for healthcare providers. It can disrupt established medical protocols and hamper the ability to quickly address critical conditions.
“As hospitals are notified of pulmonary artery catheter supply chain issues, many are needing to prioritize their current supply and find alternative solutions,” explained Jeff Pompeo, President and CEO at Caretaker Medical. “By increasing our efforts, we aim to minimize disruptions and ensure that critical care is delivered promptly and without compromise.”
A recent study by Gratz et. al., demonstrated that that VitalStream produces comparable continuous cardiac output measurements to thermodilution catheters.
“This shows that VitalStream is a viable and clinically-relevant alternative to the invasive catheters,” stated Pompeo.
Continuous Cardiac Output (CCO) monitoring is an indispensable aspect of patient care within Operating Rooms (OR) and Intensive Care Units (ICU). It offers insight into a patient’s cardiovascular performance, fluid responsiveness, and organ perfusion conditions. These insights allow clinicians to quickly make informed decisions and are pivotal in preventing cardiovascular insufficiency and other complications.
VitalStream uses a low-pressure finger sensor and Patented Pulse Decomposition Analysis to noninvasively measure CCO and other advanced hemodynamic parameters. Additionally, VitalStream can be placed at the bedside without the need for an X-ray or fluoroscopy. For more information about VitalStream and to read the Gratz study, please visit caretakermedical.net.