By Tim Ryan
Based in the heart of Hampton Roads, Virginia, ivWatch stands as a beacon of innovation in the medical field. Founded with a singular vision – elevating patient care by detecting early signs of peripheral IV (PIV) infiltrations and extravasations – this local enterprise has become an exemplar of success in a short span of time.
Peripheral IV infiltrations can lead to dosing errors, causing significant complications that are often preventable. ivWatch’s state-of-the-art non-invasive technology harnesses advanced optics to monitor a patient’s IV status in real-time. This allows for the rapid detection of infiltrations, sometimes as early as 0.2 mL of IV fluid, well before a human eye can discern them. Moreover, the system’s capability to notify clinicians up to 15 hours before they might otherwise notice an issue empowers medical professionals to act swiftly, ultimately reducing negative patient outcomes and streamlining their workflow.
The recent announcement of ivWatch joining the National Patient Safety Board (NPSB) Advocacy Coalition has further cemented their commitment to global patient safety. Just as the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has been pivotal in ensuring transportation safety, the NPSB aims to champion patient safety in healthcare. ivWatch’s alignment with the NPSB’s vision underscores its unwavering dedication to safeguarding patients from unforeseen IV complications.
Christine Hayden, RN, BSN, ivWatch’s Director of Business Development, highlighted the urgency of addressing the escalating IV injury issue in the U.S., “The alarming escalation of IV injury in the U.S. is a perfect case study for why a National Patient Safety Board is imperative right now.” Given the alarming fact that medical errors, before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, were the third leading cause of death in the U.S., ivWatch’s partnership with the NPSB is a significant leap towards curbing preventable medical harm.
ivWatch CEO, Gary Warren, in emphasizing the importance of their mission, notes that the vast majority of hospital patients undergo a procedure involving vascular access. But the simplicity of this common procedure belies the risks, from skin necrosis and scarring to dire outcomes like amputation in severe cases.
As a proud Hampton Roads company, ivWatch epitomizes the potential of local businesses to make global impacts. By pioneering biosensor technology to boost the safety and efficacy of intravenous therapy, ivWatch not only underscores the importance of innovative healthcare solutions but also shines as a beacon of hope for a safer medical future.
