IH Systems selects Robotic IV Automation Systems for cytotoxic drug preparation

Following the successful integration of RIVA (Robotic IV Automation System) - a self-contained unit for filling IV syringes and bags - into three healthcare institutions in 2009, and the announcements of several more sales for installation in 2010, medical device company Intelligent Hospital Systems has confirmed the sale of three additional RIVA systems for cytotoxic drug preparation in 2010. This sale was to a major worldwide medical products and services company, who have also indicated an interest in purchasing several more systems once RIVA is fully integrated into their operations.

This is the third multi-unit deal that Intelligent Hospital Systems has signed in recent months and with the latest announcement about proven performance of RIVA in the field, confidence in the ability of automation in the IV admixture space is growing.

In addition to expediting the compounding process and enhancing patient safety, RIVA has notably improved work and safety conditions for hospital staff, reducing their exposure to a multitude of drug compounds - namely cytotoxic drugs. "With increasing concern over potential cytotoxic drug harm to workers, automated systems like RIVA that reduce drug exposure become an increasingly viable technology," notes Dr. Niels Erik Hansen, Chief Executive Officer of IH Systems. The RIVA system enables automated compounding of individual patient doses of cytotoxic drugs into a range of diverse container forms including syringes and bags, which is key to supporting safe and flexible therapy.

For Jane Arnot, IH Systems VP Customer Sales and Service, the success of RIVA in day-to-day healthcare practices is key in growing confidence and support from directors of pharmacies worldwide. "Part of the reason that the RIVA system has been so effective is its flexibility in supporting hospitals' and pharmacies' broad base of drug compounds. The three RIVA systems in place are running at least 12 different drug compounds on a regular basis for both patient specific and batch preparations. RIVA is quickly becoming an integrated part of these healthcare institutions' operations," states Arnot. "We are also very excited about the interest that we have seen worldwide in the use of RIVA for both cytotoxic drug preparation as well as non-cytotoxic drug preparation. This speaks to the confidence that our customers have that RIVA will address the unique concerns and challenges in both of these diverse environments," concludes Arnot.

RIVA (Robotic IV Automation System) - a self-contained unit for filling IV syringes and bags - is the first product developed by Winnipeg-based medical device company Intelligent Hospital Systems.