With the goal of improving outcomes and the patient experience, Riverside Medical Center was the first hospital in the nation to use a recently developed biomaterial catheter in a patient, lowering the risk of post-procedure complications.

“We frequently encounter patients with vascular access complications or polyurethane catheters that need to be replaced and are pleased to have a biomaterial alternative,” said Dr. Howard Roth, interventional radiologist at Riverside. “We want our patients to focus on getting healthier, and by reducing complications associated with their vascular access device, we can accelerate their treatment and eventual recovery.”

— Dr. Howard Roth, Interventional Radiologist at Riverside

Approximately 85 percent of hospital patients in the United States receive a vascular access device, and many of those patients encounter a vascular access-related complication caused by the use of a polyurethane catheter that can delay their treatment and sometimes lead to infections or even death.

These types of complications cost more than $4.5 billion annually and can cost a single, large hospital more than $3 million per year.

The unique, patented biomaterial used by Access Vascular in its suite of vascular access devices avoids these complications and has demonstrated a significant reduction in complications such as occlusions, deep vein thrombosis, and phlebitis in recent studies.

“Riverside is proud to be the first hospital to offer this option to its patients,” said Phil Kambic, Riverside President and CEO. “We strive for the best possible outcomes for our patients, and this advancement allows us to do that.”

About Access Vascular

Access Vascular was founded to address the most common and costly complications of intravenous therapy: infection, thrombosis, and phlebitis. Taking a foundationally different approach to thrombus reduction, the company manufactures intravenous catheters from a hydrophilic material which retains significant amounts of water. Engineered to mimic the body’s natural chemistry, Access Vascular catheters are designed to evade the foreign body response and complications that come with it. Our award-winning, FDA-cleared products are HydroPICC® and HydroMID®.

For more information, please visit accessvascularinc.com.

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About Riverside Healthcare

Riverside Healthcare is a fully integrated healthcare system serving the needs of individuals and communities throughout the counties of Kankakee, Iroquois, Will, Grundy, and beyond. As part of the system, Riverside Medical Center, a 300-bed hospital, provides a full scope of inpatient and outpatient care and is a nationally recognized, award-winning Level II Trauma hospital with advanced programs in heart care, cancer care, neurosurgery, orthopedics, and maternity services. Its reputation for nursing excellence has earned Riverside Magnet® designation since 2011, the only area hospital to hold this distinction. Riverside also operates several community, primary, and specialty health centers throughout the region. Learn more about Riverside Healthcare at riversidehealthcare.org.

Media Contact:
AnnMarie Fauske
Director of Marketing & Public Relations
afauske@rhc.net
(815) 928-6279