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.²⁻⁴ 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.
Unlike other breakaway connectors, both ReLink valves are of a split-septum design, allowing for disinfection and reconnection. With the ReLink IV, there is no device replacement needed before therapy restart, meaning that there is no need to open the system. A closed system keeps the patient safe from air and contaminants and the nurse safe from exposure risks.⁶
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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Functions without opening the system
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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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Blacker, Christopher et al. “The effects of a new device on mechanical complications of short peripheral intravenous catheters: A randomized controlled trial.” The Journal of Vascular Access. vol. 0, no. 0 (2025).