Arrow International, Inc. Introduces Maximal Barrier Precautions Tray; Kit provides maximal central line insertion safety and infection protection for patients and healthcare workers.

READING, Pa. -- Arrow International, Inc., the leading global provider of central venous catheter (CVC) products, has introduced the maximal barrier precautions tray, a new CVC insertion kit. The tray, which is available in 10 different configurations, provides a comprehensive array of tools to prevent central line infections and is designed to help hospitals and healthcare workers comply with the latest guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement's (IHI) 100,000 Lives Campaign.

"The new maximal barrier precautions tray combines the best of Arrow catheter technology with safety and infection-protection components designed to provide the highest level of protection for patients and healthcare workers," said Matthew J. Moore, Senior Marketing Manager, Critical Care for Arrow International. "Arrow used CDC and OSHA guidelines to develop the tray components, as well as IHI guidelines, which recommend a drape large enough to cover the patient from head to toe."

Patient protection components of Arrow's maximal barrier precautions tray include an insertion checklist to help healthcare workers comply with all relevant CDC and IHI guidelines, a ChloraPrep(R) Applicator for preparing the insertion site, a 68-inch by 110-inch full body drape, and catheters that feature ARROWg+ard(R) antimicrobial technology.

ARROWg+ard antimicrobial catheter technology features a patented combination of silver sulfadiazine and chlorhexidine impregnated into the catheter surface. Prevention of infection via antimicrobial/antiseptic impregnated catheters is a 1B precaution recommended by the CDC. ARROWg+ard's antimicrobial catheter technology has been proven to reduce infection, save lives and reduce costs, as supported by more than 30 studies.

Hospitals can also order the maximal barrier precautions tray with the next-generation ARROWg+ard Blue PLUS(R) catheter. This features silver sulfadiazine and chlorhexidine along the entire intraluminal path, as well as increased levels of chlorhexidine on the catheter's external surface for better patient infection protection.

For healthcare workers, Arrow's maximal barrier precautions tray provides protective gear and upgraded sharps safety devices, including a mask with eye shield, surgical gown and cap, safety scalpel with retractable blades, BD SafetyGlide(TM) injection needles, a CLC2000(R) Positive Pressure Connector that reduces risk of thrombotic occlusion by preventing reflux of blood when removing or changing devices at the needleless injection port, a curved suture needle set, and a SharpsAway II(TM) Locking Disposal Cup for used-needle disposal.

These safety features not only protect healthcare staff during insertion and maintenance of central access lines, they also enable hospitals to classify their CVC insertion kits as "evaluated" and "implemented" as directed under the Needlestick Safety and Prevention Act and enforced by OSHA.

"Healthcare professionals and facilities are seeking more and better ways to reduce the occurrence of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs). In addition to the negative impact a CRBSI can have on the patient, the cost of treating a single CRBSI can reach $56,000 or more, according to the CDC," said Richard J. Eagle, Vice President, Global Marketing, Critical Care for Arrow International. "As the leading global provider of central venous catheters, Arrow is committed to producing products, like the new maximal barrier precautions tray, that can help reduce the rate of CRBSI, thus improving patient outcomes and reducing the overall cost of care."

About Arrow

Arrow International, Inc. develops, manufactures and markets a broad selection of clinically advanced, disposable catheters and related products for critical and cardiac care. The company's products are used primarily by anesthesiologists, cardiologists, critical care specialists, electrophysiologists, emergency and trauma physicians, interventional radiologists, surgeons and other healthcare providers. The company's common stock trades on The NASDAQ Stock Market(R) under the symbol ARRO. For more information, visit www.arrowintl.com.