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Catheter Common Questions

  1. Can Spire Biomedical Catheters Be Repaired?
  2. Do Spire Biomedical Catheters Contain Latex?
  3. What Are the Recommended Priming Volumes For Each Catheter?
  4. How Do I Place An Order For Spire Biomedical Catheter Products?
  5. What Are the Recommended Site Care Instructions for Spire Biomedical Decathlon and Alta Catheters?
  6. What Are the Recommended Site Care Instructions for Spire Biomedical RetrO and XpressO Catheters?
  7. What Is Spire Biomedical Return Goods Policy?
  8. What Are The Acceptable Cleaning Solutions For Decathlon and Alta Catheter Exit Site Care?
  9. What Are The Acceptable Cleaning Solutions For XpressO and RetrO Catheter Exit Site Care?
  10. What Catheter Care and Precautions Should Be Followed?
  11. What Are the Contraindications Instructions For Use?
  12. What Are The Patient Advantages To Using A Gold Series Catheter?
  13. Are Spire Biomedical Decathlon, Alta, RetrO and XpressO Catheters MRI Safe?
  14. What Are the Flow Rates and Pressures for Spire Catheters?
  15. Does Spire Biomedical Have Pediatric Catheters Available?
  16. Are Spire Biomedical Catheters Radiopaque?
  17. What Are The CPT Codes for Spire Biomedical Catheters?
  18. Can I Re-Sterilize Spire Biomedical Catheters?
  19. Can I Use The Catheter Kit If It Is Opened or Damaged?
  20. Does Exposure to Ultraviolet Light Affect Spire Biomedical Catheters?

Can Spire Biomedical Catheters Be Repaired?

Repair kits are available for all Spire Biomedical catheters. Repairs to replace damaged female luer connectors, clamps or repair extensions where there is a minimum of 2.5 cm viable extension tubing can be completed. For RetrO catheter repairs use Product Code PRRK5. For Alta, Decathlon & XpressO catheter repairs use Product Code CRK5. Repair kits are packaged in single packs sold by the box of five each. Repair Kit Information

Do Spire Biomedical Catheters Contain Latex?

Spire Biomedical catheters and components are latex free.

What Are the Recommended Priming Volumes For Each Catheter?

Priming volumes differ for each Spire Biomedical product line and are dependent on catheter type and length. Priming volumes can be found on the white insert on catheters with blue and red catheter clamps and on the extension tube of catheters with white clamps.

How Do I Place An Order For Spire Biomedical Catheter Products?

Spire Biomedical Catheter Products are distributed through Independent Distributors and Direct Sales Representatives. For US Orders: Please contact Customer Service @ 781-325-0758 for ordering information and to obtain a distributor/sales representative near you. For International Orders: Please contact Gambro Renal Products

What Are the Recommended Site Care Instructions for Spire Biomedical Decathlon and Alta Catheters?

Decathlon and Alta Catheters: Completely clean the entire skin area around the catheter. Be sure to cover the catheter exit site and the extensions of the catheter. Cover site with occlusive dressing applied per institutional protocol. The dressing must be changed in sterile conditions. Please note that wound dressing must be kept dry. A catheterized patient must not swim, shower or soak dressing area during bathing. Avoid excessive or prolonged contact with alcohol solutions. Do not use Acetone and PEG-containing ointments. Brochures & Guidelines

What Are the Recommended Site Care Instructions for Spire Biomedical RetrO and XpressO Catheters?

RetrO and XpressO Catheters: Completely clean the entire skin area around the catheter. Be sure to cover the catheter exit site and the silicone extensions of the catheter. Cover site with occlusive dressings applied per institutional protocol. The dressing must be changed in sterile conditions. Please note that wound dressing must be kept dry. A catheterized patient must not swim, shower or soak dressing area during bathing. Do not use Acetone or Iodine based solutions on any part of the catheter tubing. Brochures & Guidelines

What Is Spire Biomedical Return Goods Policy?

Return goods must be authorized by Spire Biomedical Customer Service Manager and assigned an RGA number prior to return. To request an RGA number call Customer Service @ 781-275-0758 and provide the invoice number, date of purchase, product code, quantity and reason you wish to return product to Spire. Spire Biomedical will not accept product without an RGA number and any deliveries received without authorization will be returned to sender. All product approved for return must be returned prepaid in original sterile sealed packaging, undamaged, unopened, with original product box and without writing, stickers or alterations of any kind. Full credit will be applied on items returned within 15 days of invoice. A 10% restocking fee will be charged on items returned within 16 - 30 days of invoice. No returns will be allowed after 60 days. No credit will be issued if product is received more than 30 days after RGA issue or 60 days after original invoice.

What Are The Acceptable Cleaning Solutions For Decathlon and Alta Catheter Exit Site Care?

DECATHLON AND ALTA CATHETERS: Brochures & Guidelines
  • Anasept
  • Aqueous Based Povidone Iodine
  • Chlorhexidine Gluconate (Hibiclens)
  • Electrolytic Chloroxidizer (ExSept)
  • Bacitracin and Neosporin Ointments
  • Aqueous Chlorhexidine Topical Solutions (Chloroprep)
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Amukin 50%
  • Chlorhexidine Patches (Biopatch)

NOTE: AVOID EXCESSIVE OR PROLONGED CONTACT WITH ALCOHOL SOLUTIONS. NOTE: Assess for potential infection. Notify a physician if redness, swelling or drainage is noted at the exit site. Any questions, call Customer Service @ 781-325-0758.

What Are The Acceptable Cleaning Solutions For XpressO and RetrO Catheter Exit Site Care?

XPRESSO AND RETRO CATHETERS: Brochures & Guidelines
  • Alcohol Based Solutions
  • Chlorhexidine Gluconate (Hibiclens)
  • Electrolytic Chloroxidizer (ExSept)
  • Bacitracin Ointment
  • Isopropryl Alcohol 70%
  • Hydrogen Peroxide
  • Regular Clorox Bleach

NOTE: Assess for potential infection. Notify a physician if redness, swelling or drainage is noted at the exit site. Any questions, call Customer Service @ 781-325-0758.

What Catheter Care and Precautions Should Be Followed?

Use extreme caution when using sharp instruments near extension lines of the catheter tubing. Avoid using scissors to remove dressing as they may cut or damage the catheter. Do not suture through any part of the catheter. The catheter tubing can tear when subjected to excessive force, sharp cuts or rough edges. Avoid clamping the shaft of the catheter. Clamp on the extension only. Make sure to examine tubing for any damage after each treatment. Tape injection caps between treatments. Do not over-tighten bloodlines, syringes, or caps. Inspect catheter frequently for nicks, scrapes, cuts or other damage, which could affect treatment and performance.

What Are the Contraindications Instructions For Use?

Spire Biomedical Catheters are intended for long-term vascular access only and should not be used for any purpose other than that indicated in the Instructions For Use provided with each catheter kit.

Spire Biomedical PRRK5 and CRK5 Repair Kits are not to be used to repair catheters other than those specified in the Instructions For Use. The CRK5 is to be used with the Decathlon, Alta and XpressO catheters. The PRRK5 is to be used with the RetrO catheter. Do not replace connector if tubing is swollen or displays signs of degradation. The repair kit should not be used for any purpose other than indicated in the Instructions For Use provided with each kit. Repair Kit Information

What Are The Patient Advantages To Using A Gold Series Catheter?

With the ultimate goal of reducing catheter complications, exchanges and dysfunction for dialysis patients, the Gold Series Decathlon and Alta End-Point Bonded heparin coated catheters combine this next-generation coating with a proven superior design, excellent hemodialysis performance, multiple insertion options and biocompatible Carbothane material. Spire Biomedical Gold Series Catheters are the only long term End-Point Bonded heparin coated hemodialysis catheters available on the market. They are available in fixed and split, rounded or tapered tip styles for ease of insertion. The superior End-Point Bonded heparin coating maximizes exposure of active antithrombin binding sites to the blood for sustained anticoagulant activity thus reducing the need for catheter exchanges in some patients. This unique, biocompatible heparin coating and bonding process has been proven effective in a wide range of medical devices, including vascular grafts, coronary stents, and ventricular assist devices.

Are Spire Biomedical Decathlon, Alta, RetrO and XpressO Catheters MRI Safe?

  • No, RetrO and XpressO catheter extension adapters contain metal and are not MRI compatible.
  • Yes, Decathlon and Alta catheters are MRI compatible.
  • Fluoroscopic or ultrasonic guidance is recommended to ensure proper tip orientation and placement within the right atrium.

What Are the Flow Rates and Pressures for Spire Catheters?

Flow rates and pressures by product line are provided in the product brochures.
Brochures & Guidelines

Does Spire Biomedical Have Pediatric Catheters Available?

No, not at this time. Catheter sizes available begin at 24 cm through 55 cm tip to hub lengths.

Are Spire Biomedical Catheters Radiopaque?

Yes, Spire Biomedical catheters are visible under fluoroscopy and on chest x-ray.

What Are The CPT Codes for Spire Biomedical Catheters?

The CPT codes for Spire catheters are the same codes currently used by your facility for any long term venous access catheter. Consult your payor organizations for local coverage and reimbursement policies.

Can I Re-Sterilize Spire Biomedical Catheters?

No, Spire Biomedical catheters are "Single Use Only". Do not reuse or re-sterilize catheter or kit components.

Can I Use The Catheter Kit If It Is Opened or Damaged?

Do not use catheter or kit if the sterile seal is broken. Do not use a damaged catheter (e.g., crushed, crimped, cut) or any damaged kit components including connectors with stripped threads.

Does Exposure to Ultraviolet Light Affect Spire Biomedical Catheters?

Prolonged exposure to ultraviolet lights (i.e., sun tanning, tanning bed, fluorescent lamps) should be avoided to prevent catheter damage.