Interrad's SecurAcath cleared by FDA

The US FDA has granted 510(k) clearance for Interrad Medical's SecurAcath Universal, a system to secure central venous catheters. It uses a small, blunt anchor that is deployed just beneath the skin. Traditionally, catheters are secured using sutures or adhesive devices, but they can become dislodged and some patients are allergic to the adhesives. SecurAcath can reduce costs by decreasing the time needed for procedures, and permits fewer catheter-related infections because it reduces catheter movement and allows improved cleaning of the catheter site, Plymouth, Minnesota-based Interrad claims. SecurAcath Universal is also approved in Europe and Canada. An earlier product, SecurAcath PICC, was cleared by the FDA in October 2008.