Smiths Medical 335603 - CATHETER, IV, PROTECT, ACUVANCE, 20GX1 1, 50/BX

The Smiths Medical 335603 Protect Acuvance IV Catheter is a safety-focused peripheral intravenous catheter designed for dependable vascular access in clinical environments. This 20 gauge catheter with a 1.25 inch length is suitable for routine IV therapy, medication administration, fluid delivery, and blood draw support when clinically appropriate. Packaged 50 per box, it is a practical option for hospitals, outpatient departments, emergency care areas, infusion services, and other healthcare settings that require reliable IV catheter supplies.

The Acuvance design supports familiar insertion technique while adding protective safety features intended to help reduce accidental needlestick exposure after catheter placement. Its compact profile, straight hub configuration, and polyurethane catheter material make it well suited for facilities seeking a balance of clinician control, patient comfort, and procedural efficiency.

Key Benefits

• 20G x 1.25 inch size supports common peripheral IV access needs across a wide range of adult clinical applications.
• Protective safety design helps support healthcare worker safety during and after insertion.
• Designed to allow a familiar catheter placement technique with minimal adjustment for trained clinicians.
• Polyurethane catheter construction supports flexibility and patient comfort during indwelling use.
• Straight hub design allows straightforward connection with compatible IV administration components.
• Compact catheter profile supports one-handed or two-handed insertion technique depending on clinician preference and facility protocol.
• 50 per box packaging supports departmental stocking, procedure carts, and routine supply replenishment.

Compatibility and Applications

The Smiths Medical 335603 Protect Acuvance IV Catheter is intended for peripheral intravenous access when a 20 gauge catheter and 1.25 inch length are clinically appropriate. It may be used with compatible IV extension sets, administration sets, needleless connectors, and other standard vascular access accessories according to facility policy and manufacturer instructions.

Common applications include IV fluid therapy, medication delivery, perioperative access, emergency department use, observation unit care, outpatient infusion support, and general inpatient vascular access. The 20 gauge size is frequently selected when moderate flow rates are needed while still maintaining a manageable catheter size for many adult patients.

Usage Guidelines

Use the Smiths Medical 335603 Protect Acuvance IV Catheter only by trained healthcare professionals following approved aseptic technique and the facility's vascular access protocol. Select the insertion site based on patient condition, vein quality, therapy type, expected dwell time, and clinical judgment. Inspect the package before use and do not use the catheter if the sterile barrier is damaged, opened, or compromised.

Prepare the site according to infection prevention standards, insert the catheter using the appropriate technique, confirm venous access, thread the catheter, remove the introducer as directed, and secure the catheter with an approved dressing and stabilization method. Flush, maintain, monitor, and remove the catheter according to facility policy, therapy requirements, and recognized clinical guidelines.

Certifications and Safety Standards

This product is designed for professional healthcare use in environments that follow established infection control, sharps safety, and vascular access standards. Facilities should use the Smiths Medical 335603 Protect Acuvance IV Catheter in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions for use, internal clinical protocols, OSHA sharps safety expectations, and applicable local regulatory requirements.

As with any sterile disposable IV catheter, users should verify the product packaging, lot number, expiration date, sterility status, and current manufacturer documentation before clinical use. Proper disposal in an approved sharps container is required immediately after use to support staff safety and compliance with healthcare waste handling procedures.

Comparison with Competitors

Compared with standard non-safety peripheral IV catheters, the Smiths Medical 335603 Protect Acuvance IV Catheter offers a protective design intended to support needlestick injury prevention. This can be an important advantage for facilities focused on staff safety, regulatory compliance, and risk reduction during vascular access procedures.

Compared with some bulkier safety IV catheter systems, the Acuvance catheter is designed to maintain a familiar feel and streamlined profile, helping clinicians preserve their preferred insertion technique. While some competing catheters may include blood control features or alternative activation mechanisms, this product is well suited for facilities that prioritize protective safety design, familiar handling, and reliable 20 gauge peripheral IV access.

Typical User Profile and Application Scenarios

The Smiths Medical 335603 Protect Acuvance IV Catheter is commonly used by nurses, vascular access clinicians, emergency department teams, surgical and perioperative staff, infusion clinicians, and other trained medical professionals who perform peripheral IV starts. It is especially relevant for healthcare organizations that maintain high-volume IV access programs and need dependable catheter inventory for routine clinical use.

Typical scenarios include starting an IV line for hydration, administering prescribed medications, preparing a patient for surgery or diagnostic procedures, supporting emergency care workflows, and maintaining access for short-term therapies. The 50 per box format makes it suitable for supply rooms, procedure trays, emergency carts, outpatient clinics, and hospital units with regular peripheral IV catheter demand.

Best Practices for Use and Maintenance

Choose the smallest appropriate catheter gauge that meets the clinical need, and assess the patient's vein condition before insertion. Follow strict hand hygiene and skin antisepsis procedures, use aseptic non-touch technique where applicable, and avoid unnecessary catheter manipulation after placement. Secure the catheter properly to reduce movement, irritation, and premature failure.

Monitor the insertion site regularly for pain, swelling, redness, leakage, infiltration, phlebitis, or other signs of complications. Flush and maintain the IV line according to facility policy and therapy requirements. Replace dressings and remove the catheter when clinically indicated, when therapy is complete, or when signs of complications appear. Dispose of all used components in accordance with sharps and biohazard waste protocols.

Regulatory and Safety Information

The Smiths Medical 335603 Protect Acuvance IV Catheter is intended for single patient use by qualified healthcare professionals. Do not reuse, resterilize, or use after the expiration date. Reuse may increase the risk of infection, device failure, contamination, or patient injury. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for use and your facility's policies for peripheral IV catheter placement and maintenance.

Clinical teams should confirm that this catheter size and configuration are appropriate for the patient's therapy, vascular condition, and treatment plan. If resistance, patient discomfort, improper placement, or suspected device compromise occurs, stop the procedure and follow the appropriate clinical escalation process. Proper training, site assessment, securement, and monitoring are essential for safe and effective peripheral IV therapy.

How to Order

Select the Smiths Medical 335603 CATHETER, IV, PROTECT, ACUVANCE, 20GX1 1, 50/BX and add it to your cart. Complete checkout with your preferred shipping and payment options. For bulk orders, quotes, or further assistance, contact CIA Medical customer service at (312)275-5850 or use the contact form on this page.