Teleflex acquires Vidacare, the maker of the intraosseous vascular access device. The EZ-IO^® Intraosseous Vascular Access System expands the Arrow^® Brand vascular access offering. The EZ-IO^® System provides immediate vascular access through the bone for the delivery of essential medications and fluids.

Teleflex adds the first long-term CVC to its Arrow^® Brand of vascular access products. The Arrowg+ard Blue Advance^™ JACC (Jugular Axillo-subclavian Central Catheter) is a small-french size antimicrobial and antithrombogenic catheter that is designed for both acute and long-term use.

Teleflex acquires VasoNova and its Vascular Positioning System (VPS). The Arrow^® VPS^® Device combines Doppler ultrasound, intravascular ECG and an advanced algorithmic logic to position the catheter in the lower 1/3 of the SVC/CAJ. The system is FDA cleared to replace chest X-ray when a steady blue bullseye is achieved.

Teleflex introduces the first broad spectrum antimicrobial PICC, the Arrowg+ard Blue Advance^™ PICC. Arrowg+ard Blue Advance^™ Protection is a chlorhexidine treatment on catheters that provides antimicrobial protection both intra and extraluminally. In 2012, the Arrowg+ard Blue Advance^™ PICC was also cleared by the FDA for antithrombogenic protection to help protect against common complications of vessel thrombosis, fibrin sheath and catheter occlusion.

The Arrow^® ErgoPack^® System is Teleflex’s second generation vascular access maximal barrier precautions bundle. The ErgoPack^® System’s design is based on “human factors” research. Teleflex created a systematic, ergonomic approach to central line insertion incorporating the latest in infection protection and sharps safety technology.

The first Arrow^® Brand maximal barrier precautions trays are introduced. The tray provides a comprehensive array of tools to help 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 Arrow^® MAC (Multi-lumen Access Catheter) is introduced. The Arrow^® MAC provides the access of a sheath introducer with an additional high flow lumen.

The Arrowg+ard Blue Plus^® Catheter, the Arrow^® Brand’s second-generation antimicrobial catheter technology, receives FDA clearance. This next generation antimicrobial catheter technology maintains the combination of chlorhexidine/silver sulfadiazine on the catheter while adding intra-luminal antimicrobial protection.

The first Arrow^® PICC is launched. The Arrow^® PICC is introduced with all the hallmarks of an Arrow^® Central Line: the staggered exit sites and the BlueFlexTip^® Feature.

The Arrowg+ard^® Blue Technology is introduced as the first catheter with broad-spectrum antimicrobial protection against gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria and fungi. The technology, a combination of chlorhexidine and silver sulfadiazine, is later proven to reduce CRBSI and save money over an unprotected central venous catheter. The technology would go on to be proven safe and effective by 30+ studies.

In collaboration with the FDA, as well as major medical societies, the company invents a technology that address the complication of cardiac tamponade. The Arrow^® CVC adds the Blue FlexTip^® Feature to address this complication and protect the delicate vessel wall from damage.

Arrow International, Inc. develops the Arrow-Howes^™ Multi-Lumen Catheter. Dr. LeRoy Misuraca of Southern California contacts the company and presents a revolutionary idea. He outlines his concept for a multi-lumen central venous catheter with two separate and distinct lumens, or channels. A patent search reveals that a patent has already been filed by Dr. Randolph M. Howes for the identical product concept. Within one week, Dr. Howes is contacted and an agreement with the company is signed. Later, the Arrow-Howes^™ Multi-Lumen Catheter is launched and becomes a phenomenal success.

Arrow International, Inc. introduces the first integrated Seldinger arterial line. The company changes the way that arterial lines are inserted by introducing the first integrated design. The integrated design allows for quick and easy insertions with high success rates. The new design also reduced risk of contamination and blood contact.

In response to physician need for a softer indwelling catheter, the company develops the first polyurethane catheter. Today, polyurethane remains the industry’s most popular material used in central venous catheter design.

The Internal Jugular Puncture Kit is first introduced and Arrow International, Inc. becomes the first company to offer sterile catheter kits with matched components for specific procedures. The kit focuses on the safer Seldinger spring-wire guide technique. Sales of the kit take off, especially in teaching hospitals, and it becomes a great success.

Arrow International, Inc. announced the beginning of its operation as a privately-owned company in the textile and medical industries on December 8, 1975. The business, formerly known as the Arrow Products Division of Rockwell International, was purchased by a group of Reading, PA investors.