“Theoretically, blood reflux into either the IV catheter or the needleless connector increases both the risk of occlusion and biofilm formation.”
Why Nexus TKO®
– William R. Jarvis, MD
Blood Reflux Protection 24/7
The primary cause of IV catheter failure is intraluminal thrombotic catheter occlusions. Watch how blood adhesion occurs.
Blood reflux can lead to serious IV complications like occlusions, infiltrations, phlebitis and catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs).
Occlusions delay IV therapy, increase the risk of CLABSIs, create the need for IV restarts or catheter exchange and prevent blood sampling from midlines, PICCs and CVCs.
WATCH NOW how blood reflux leads to occlusion and IV infiltrations.
The 2021 Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice (36.C) recognize additional factors, such as body movement, respirations, syringe plunger rebound and coughing cause pressure changes, which allows blood to move into the catheter.
Causes of Blood Reflux and Catheter Occlusions
How Nexus TKO® Works
TKO pressure activated anti-reflux diaphragm provides blood reflux protection 24/7.
The TKO anti-reflux needle-free connector is engineered to prevent multiple causes of unintentional blood reflux into IV catheters and prevent thrombosis catheter occlusions. Integrated into the TKO is the proprietary and highly functional 3-position silicone diaphragm. Our TKO pressure activated anti-reflux technology is proven in more than 40 published studies, white papers and poster board presentations to provide a new level of patient safety and protection against unintentional blood reflux, which is the root cause of all thrombotic IV catheter occlusions.
- Our TKO anti-reflux technology provides patient safety and protection against both physiological (internal) and mechanical (external) pressure changes which can occur in a closed IV system.
- TKO requires no change in clinical practice and works with any clamping sequence.
- TKO automatically provides blood reflux protection 24/7™ and delivers IV catheter patency 24/7™.
Nexus TKO 3-Position Silicone Diaphragm
NORMALLY CLOSED
The TKO diaphragm stays closed to prevent unintentional blood reflux.
FLUSH/INFUSION
The TKO Diaphragm opens towards the patient with infusion.
BLOOD SAMPLING
The TKO Diaphragm opens in reverse for safe blood sampling.
Nexus TKO® Product Resources
As the leading manufacturer of anti-reflux needleless connectors, Nexus offers a wide range of virtual and face-to-face educational resources for healthcare providers and patients. Gain access to presentations for continuing education, podcasts, posters, and other materials.
Get 24/7 IV Protection
Reduce the occurrences of occlusions and infiltrates and the high cost of tPA, Heparin and IV catheter replacements.