SAFE-Infusion | Stop Adverse Fluid Events in Infusion: weak-link tube connection and air removal devices monitored in the cloud for safer, more accurate and cost-effective IV therapy in hospital and at home

Intravenous (IV) therapy is the most performed invasive treatment with 3.8 bn disposables tubes used annually. This procedure is not safe, neither for healthcare personnel nor patients, with serious consequences such as accidental IV dislodgement and Vascular Air Embolism (VAE) generating additional healthcare costs of €43b every year. In addition, there is a growing trend to administer IV infusion at home presenting social and economic benefits to patients with chronic diseases, cancer and, being especially important, to the current aging European population. In views of the situation, there is an urgent need for IV therapy risk reduction by preventing dislodgement, VAE and spill of hazardous fluids/vapours, while simultaneously supporting the ‘bringing care home initiative’.
In response, we have developed ReAL8, weak-link tube connection and air removal devices monitored in the cloud, that will make IV therapy more accurate and safer for healthcare personnel and patients by i) preventing accidental dislodgement, ii) removing harmful air bubbles in a closed system, and iii) remotely monitoring home infusions by accurately monitoring flow rates and instantly warning healthcare personnel via a mobile App of deviations in flow or duration. ReAL8 helps patients to receive a more accurate dose with faster recovery, while healthcare providers save money. Providing IV therapy at home has shown a 90% potential cost saving compared to corresponding care provided in the hospital.
In this SAFE-Infusion project we aim to disrupt the IV tube market by maturing, testing, and launching the next-generation tube connection and air removal device, combined with connected sensors. Within the first five years post project, we estimate total accident-related cost-savings of €3.9bn for healthcare (i.e. €14 for each €1 spent in ReAL8), 57 tonnes of plastic waste saved, €229m in accumulated revenues and €58m in accumulated operating profit for the SAFE-Infusion industry partners together.