ReLink IV
Reducing intravenous (IV) catheter dislodgement
ReLink IV
IV dislodgement leads to over 10% catheter failures.(1) These incidents can result in patient injuries, loss of fluid resources, and exposure to blood and hazardous drugs.(2, 3, 4) Dislodgement creates additional work for healthcare professionals, requiring up to 30 minutes to reinstate the infusion.(5)
ReLink IV is a breakaway connector with double-sided, self-sealable valves, designed to disconnect under excessive force, protecting both peripheral and central IV catheter placement sites.
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Unlike other brekaway connectors, both ReLink valves are of a split-septum design, allowing for disinfection (scrub the hub) and reconnection. With the ReLink, there is no device replacement needed before therapy restart, meaning that the system remains closed at all times. A closed system keeps the patient safe from air and contaminants and the nurse safe from exposure risks.(6)
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ReLink IV reduces accidental IV catheter dislodgement, minimises spillage of medicine and IV fluids, and allows for rapid reinstatement of therapy.
73%
reduction in peripheral IV catheter dislodgement frequency (7)
Benefits
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Reduces IV catheter dislodgement frequency
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Allows for rapid reinstatement of IV therapy
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Minimises spillage of medicine and fluids
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Supports a closed system at all times
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Reduces plastic waste by minimising device replacements
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References
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Helm, Robert E et al. “Accepted but unacceptable: peripheral IV catheter failure.” Journal of infusion nursing: the official publication of the Infusion Nurses Society vol. 38,3 (2015): 189-203.
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Open Resources for Nursing (Open RN). Nursing Advanced Skills. Edited by Kimberly Ernstmeyer et. al., Chippewa Valley Technical College, 2023.
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Jagger, Janine et al. “Nursing2011 survey results: Blood exposure risk during peripheral I.V. catheter insertion and removal.” Nursing vol. 41,12 (2011): 45-9.
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Hodson, L et al. "Managing hazardous drug exposures: information for healthcare settings." U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, DHHS (NIOSH) Publication No. 2023-130.
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Moureau, Nancy. "Impact and Safety Associated with Accidental Dislodgement of Vascular Access Devices: A Survey of Professions, Settings, and Devices." Journal of the Association for Vascular Access vol. 23,4 (2018): 203-215.
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Rosenthal, Victor D. “Impact of needle-free connectors compared with 3-way stopcocks on catheter-related bloodstream infection rates: A meta-analysis.” American Journal of Infection Control vol. 48, no. 3 (2020): 281–284.
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Results from a post-market randomised controlled trial of ReLink Care, MDD class Is device, at Uppsala University Hospital, Sweden.