Total intravenous anaesthesia is a rapidly expanding area of anaesthesia which is considered safer for the patient

Total intravenous anaesthesia is a rapidly expanding area of anaesthesia which is considered safer for the patient, and more comfortable. It perfectly suits day-case surgery.

With the advent of highly sophisticated TCI TIVA pumps employing all of the benefits of well tried and tested algorithms, it makes sense to use the safest possible method of delivering the chosen multiple-infusions.

With our TIVAtek range we have set ourselves the challenge to greatly improve on what is available, with major benefits for patient safety. With TIVAtek, we have achieved that goal.

New breakthrough Tivatek™ range of multiple-infusion sets makes total intravenous anaesthesia safer

Consultant anaesthetists looking for the ultimate delivery system for TIVA solutions can now take advantage of Hybrand Medical’s Tivatek™ range of multiple-infusion sets, which make total intravenous anaesthesia even safer and more comfortable for patients. Suitable for a wide range of surgical procedures including ICU applications and daycase surgery, Tivatek has been designed with a specific focus on patient comfort and safety.

What’s included with Tivatek and how is it safer?

The Tivatek sets include a dedicated multi-lumen TIVA administration set, a high flow distal valve (>280mls/min) and Tivalok, which ensures the IV catheter and other lines do not disconnect during procedures. Tivatek also includes colour-coded, internationally approved and compliant drug identification tags to improve the matching of drug to syringe. Tivatek end caps are secured firmly to the set by straps that eliminate the risk of cap migration into the patient breathing circuit (PBC) or body cavity so make this hazardous situation impossible.

The sets also include the world’s first sterile, disposable eye protection pads called i-Lok™, that are easy to apply and remove and keep the patient’s eyes closed during the procedure. The iLok pads can be removed post op without damaging delicate eye-lid tissue so reducing infection.

What are the benefits of Tivatek, particularly with regards to patient safety?

Dr Anup Biswas, consultant obstetric anaesthetist at the Department of Anaesthesia at Nottingham City Hospital, says: “The Safe Anaesthesia Liaison Group (SALG) published a report in 2009, which highlighted the key concerns of clinicians in guaranteeing safe drug delivery in TIVA ICI drug administration. With Tivatek, I am a lot more confident that the delivery system addresses these concerns. In particular the delivery system reduces the risk of unintended disconnection and occlusion as even with several tight knots in the infusion lines, the drugs continue to run at speeds I’ve set, which is remarkable.

“Also, although occlusion is a more common problem, infusion line patency is as important as that of the airway. In modern surgical procedures, we use disposable drapes and many of these are adhesive. In the past year, on two separate occasions, the removal of the drapes at the end of the procedure has dislodged my cannula. By using Tivalok, it will keep my line secure and afford me the clinical protection I need, as it is a lot stronger so minimises this hazard.”

Why design Tivatek?

Enormous thought has been given to the new design of the Tivatek range and we have gone far beyond the recommendations for additional safety set down by SALG. With Tivatek, we have a first class medical device that enables anesthetists to take advantage(s) of the great advances in TIVA with far greater patient safety and comfort. We are also very proud to be the first British manufacturer to introduce this extremely safe and compliant TIVA administration set on to the world market!

Where can I get the products and are they certified?

The products are available from May 2011 direct from Hybrand Medical Ltd, medical wholesalers, and NHS logistics. Pricing varies depending on use and includes on-site support where needed. All Tivatek products are ISO qualified and CE marked.