Farmville, NC, April 01, 2019

D•R Burton Healthcare announced its J-Wand Semi-Rigid Intubating Stylet has received an Innovative Technology contract from Vizient, Inc. the largest member-driven health care performance improvement company in the country. The contract was based on a recommendation of J-Wand by hospital experts in this category who serve on one of Vizient’s member-led councils.

The J-Wand stylet facilitates placement of an endotracheal tube (ETT) during difficult intubations. Its anatomically-inspired, curved rigid stainless-steel stylet features a flexible introducer tip. This combination speeds time to intubation, while also reducing risk of airway trauma, and improving patient safety.

The J-Wand was developed by Jay Annis, a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist, who also serves as D R Burton’s Vice President of Anesthesia. Mr. Annis says, “The J-Wand’s flexible introducer tip helps to guide the ETT towards difficult anterior airways more effectively than current rigid stylets and standard flexible stylets. It also gives practitioners the option of providing each apneic patient a direct source of oxygen during the intubation process.” He adds, “D-R Burton Healthcare is pleased to receive the Vizient Innovative Technology Contract which offers enhanced savings for the J-Wand stylet.”

“Hospitals and providers are continuously looking for innovative solutions that demonstrate an ability to enhance clinical care or patient safety, and those that improve an organization’s care delivery and business model,” said Debbie Archer, director of procurement and leader of the Vizient Innovative Technology program for suppliers. “After a full review of the J-Wand Semi-Rigid Intubating Stylet, Vizient’s member council agreed this solution offers an incremental benefit over other products and recommended it for an innovative technology contract.”

Vizient represents a diverse membership base that includes academic medical centers, pediatric facilities, community hospitals, integrated health delivery networks and non-acute health care providers and represents approximately $100 billion in annual purchasing volume. Through its Innovative Technology Program, Vizient works with member-led councils and task forces to review potentially innovative products. If it is determined that a product is innovative, Vizient may award a contract outside of the competitive bid cycle.