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| The EZ-IO is inserted into the shin as a viable alternative to traditional intravenous (IV) access. It is manufactured by VidaCare Corp. of San Antonio and was developed with the help of Health Science Center researchers. | |
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A lifesaving device developed with the help of Health Science Center researchers, the EZ-IO™, was recently recognized with a gold 2005 Medical Design Excellence Award – the award that exclusively recognizes contributions and advances in the design of medical products. VidaCare Corp. of San Antonio manufactures the device that was conceived by its chairman and chief executive officer, Larry J. Miller, M.D.
The EZ-IO, which allows intraosseous access through the bone marrow cavity, is a viable alternative to traditional intravenous (IV) access, which often is difficult to use in patients whose veins have collapsed because of trauma. San Antonio has become the first major city to use the EZ-IO as standard equipment aboard every EMS ambulance and helicopter.
“The award will help ensure that the lifesaving benefits of the EZ-IO will be widely recognized throughout the industry,” Dr. Miller said.
The EZ-IO was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2004 and has already saved lives in civilian emergencies and in the battlefield. In Montgomery County north of Houston, where the EZ-IO has been used hundreds of times, the device cut in half the amount of time it takes paramedics to go from opening the door of a heart attack victim’s home to establishing lifesaving fluid administration. The EZ-IO usage improved the victim’s chances of getting to the ER alive by five times.
“This product really does work,” Dr. Miller said. “Our team shares the great personal satisfaction that comes from reports around the world of lives being saved by the EZ-IO.”
The Medical Design Excellence Awards competition is organized and presented by Canon Communications LLC. Gold and silver winners were selected in 10 medical product categories, including clinical care and emergency medicine products – the category in which the EZ-IO received the gold award.
