IV Derma-Safe® From Black Hills Innovation Group

The IV Derma-Safe® design utilizes a clear plastic platform for site stabilization secured by an innovative hook-and-loop strap system. The only tape that touches the patient is a 1/8-inch diameter piece of polyethylene tape directly over the injection site. This serves as the required barrier at the injection point for infection control. By securing the stabilization platform with a soft strap held in place by a micro hook-and-loop system, patient allergies to adhesives are no longer an issue. This product is also Latex free. The IV Derma-Safe® stabilization unit will substantially reduce the occurrence of skin irritation and skin tears from tape removal, improving patient outcomes and patient satisfaction. This device can significantly reduce costs associated with treating patients’ skin wounds that have occurred using traditional tape securement methods.

Product development began in January 2010 based on a previously patented prototype produced by founder, Rodney Schaeffer. The Group worked with medical personnel, design engineers and industrial engineers to refine the design to address functional and production issues. Design modifications suggest by medical personnel were incorporated during the engineering phase. Various vendors have been brought together to develop the best manufacturing scenario possible.

Clinical trials for IV Derma-Safe® began in late June 2010 at two regional medical facilities in western South Dakota. Training was provided to the nursing staff as required for product use. Both patient and technical staff feedback was extremely positive. There were no recommendations for further modification of any feature of the product. It was noted that the device had the additional benefit of dual use as an IV holder and an arm board for pediatric patients.

The product is a Class I device and has been FDA registered. The names IV Derma-Safe® and IV Fur-Safe® are the registered trademark names for the product. IV Fur-Safe® targets the veterinary market.