Special Partner Announcement

Dear Partners,

We have something very exciting to share with you in this update. A key development has occurred that will help boost VeinViewer even further towards worldwide adoption. Recently the Infusion Nurses Society released their 2016 Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice. Within this publication, which is used as a guideline for infusion therapy best practices by hospitals and other healthcare facilities around the world, INS specifically calls out the benefits of near-infrared (NIR) vein visualization. They note that NIR vein visualization can help locate veins beyond traditional methods and decrease procedure time. We have included several reference documents below with key messaging.


Christie issued a press release this week calling out this importance of this recommendation. Read the full release here.

We have also updated our webpage regarding the INS Standards to include the new language. Read it here.

Vein Visualization Key To PIV Success

Nurses know how to find a vein when preparing for peripheral IV placement. There are many common practices that aid in locating and coaxing a suitable vessel. Discussion around PIV best practices has shifted towards going one step further with the incorporation of vein finder technology, such as VeinViewer® by Christie, as a tool for vein preservation.  

Vein finders are accepted as necessary for difficult venous access patients; however, there is call for consideration of use on all patients. Patient safety practices recognize the importance of more thorough assessments prior to inserting a peripheral IV catheter to avoid potential complications1. Repeated catheter failures lead to venous depletion and use of more invasive central lines,2with their associated complications. VeinViewer by Christie is a near-infrared (NIR) vein finding device clinically proven to greatly increase first-stick success3 and patient satisfaction scores4. As demonstrated in a recent webinar, the value of a NIR imaging device for vein visualization such as VeinViewer lies in finding the best vein to access.

VeinViewer by Christie projects a real-time, high definition image of patient vasculature on the skin surface. This image allows clinicians to locate more access options, including deeper veins that may not have been accessed for prior treatments. It also visualizes factors that can impact successful placement like venous refill rate and the presence of valves and bifurcations. Improved PIV access with VeinViewer is shown to result in less escalation to central lines5. VeinViewer is proven to positively impact patient care through improved PIV access and patient satisfaction. For more information visit www.veinviewer.com.

1. Viscarra, Cora, et al (2014) Recommendations for Improving Safety Practices with Short Peripheral Catheters. J Infusion Nurs. 37(2), 121-124.
2. Helm, R. E., Klausner, J.D., Klemperer, J.D., Flint, L.M., Haung, E. (2015) Accepted but Unacceptable: Peripheral IV Catheter Failure. J Infusion Nurs. 38(3), 189-203.
3. Hess, H. (2010) A Biomedical Device to Improve Pediatric Vascular Access Success. Pediatric Nurs. 36(5), 259-263.
4. Ramer, Lois, et al (2015) Effect of Intravenous (IV) Assistive Device (VeinViewer) on IV Access Attempts, Procedural Time, and Patient and Nurse Satisfaction. J of Pediatric Oncology Nurs. DOI: 10.1177/1043454215600425
5. Wilcox, Patti, St. Elizabeth Healthcare (poster presented at the 2015 Infusion Nurses Society Annual Conference) The Implementation of Near-Infrared Technology to Decrease PICC Line Placements on Patients with Limited Venous Access.

Vein Visualization In Home Care Setting

PIV Pre-Access Assessment Key To Cost And Complication
Reduction

Pre-access assessment is one of the most important steps in administration of infusion therapy. Most healthcare facilities have a protocol requiring review of the patient’s medical history and therapy goals including medication type and duration. These and additional factors such as the patient’s age, size and vascular status are why attention must be paid to access site and catheter choice in the pre-access plan. “If we can get a hold of this upfront component, we can help bring down costs and reduce complications for better healthcare management,” states Dr. Gregory Schears, pediatric anesthesiologist and vascular access expert1.

Patients with chronic conditions frequently present with difficult venous access due to years of treatment and repeated IV access. Difficult access patients are frequently subject to multiple attempts to place an IV catheter leading to increased anxiety, damaged veins, tissue trauma and delayed infusions. With patients living longer, healthcare needs to consider the implications of providing infusion therapy for the long term. Visualization technology, such as VeinViewer® by Christie, can assist in the pre-access plan resulting in choosing the right vein and increased first-stick success rates, increased patient satisfaction and contribution to vein preservation.  

VeinViewer by Christie projects a real-time, high definition image of the patient’s veins on the skin surface. This image allows clinicians to locate more access options and visualize factors that can impact successful placement like venous refill rate and the presence of valves and bifurcations. Improved PIV access with VeinViewer is shown to result in less escalation to central lines2. VeinViewer is clinically proven to positively impact quality of care through improved PIV access and patient satisfaction.

For more information visit www.veinviewer.com

1. Shining the Light on Veins: Pre-Access Assessment, Vein Preservation and NIR. Webinar-Christie Medical- December 2, 2015. Last accessed atwww.christiemedical.com January 2016
2. Wilcox, Patti, St. Elizabeth Healthcare (poster presented at the 2015 Infusion Nurses Society Annual Conference) The Implementation of Near-Infrared Technology to Decrease PICC Line Placements on Patients with Limited Venous Access.
   
   

NIR Vein Visualization For Difficult Access Patients –
A Standard Of Care

As early as 2011, the INS Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice recognized the use of vein visualization as beneficial for difficult access patients. The new 2016 Standards published just this past week, clarify this recommendation calling out the value of near-infrared vein visualization, such as VeinViewer® by Christie. The 2016 INS Standards, guided by clinical evidence, establish the recommended best practices for optimal patient outcomes and safety.
The newest Standard states the clinician should, “consider the use of near-infrared (nIR) light technology to aid in locating viable superficial venous sites and decreasing procedure time for short peripheral catheter insertion.” The Standard recognizes the value of using nIR to “facilitate more informed decisions about vein selection.” With a device such as VeinViewer by Christie, clinicians can locate valves, bifurcations and venous tortuosity, as well as confirm palpable but not visible veins1. In a 2014 position paper, INS also noted that vein visualization is shown to decrease stick attempts while increasing patient satisfaction2.
Improved PIV access with VeinViewer is clinically proven to improve first stick success and result in less escalation to central lines3. VeinViewer by Christie projects a real-time, high definition image of the patient’s veins on the skin surface. This image helps clinicians locate more access options and choose the best access site which may help avoid complications and preserve available vasculature. VeinViewer is the only device of its kind clinically proven to positively impact quality of care through improved PIV access and patient satisfaction.
For more information visit www.veinviewer.com.

1. Infusion Nurses Society (2016) Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice. 5th Edition, Sect. 22. J Infusion Nurs.
2. Viscarra, Cora, et al. (2014) Recommendations for Improving Safety Practices with Short Peripheral Catheters. J Infusion Nurs. 37(2), 121-124.
3. Wilcox, Patti, St. Elizabeth Healthcare (poster presented at the 2015 Infusion Nurses Society Annual Conference) The Implementation of Near-Infrared Technology to Decrease PICC Line Placements on Patients with Limited Venous Access.
   
   

Healthcare providers should use vein visualization technology according to Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice

Use of VeinViewer system benefits patient care and complies with Infusion Nurses Society

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – (February 3, 2016) – In its newly released Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice, the Infusion Nurses Society (INS) states that vein visualization technology should be used to ensure patient safety when placing an IV catheter. A key guideline used by healthcare facilities around the world, the INS Standards mandate the use of vein visualization technology in patients with difficult venous access or after failed venipuncture attempts. Avoidance of multiple needle sticks results in less pain for the patient, lack of treatment delays and more options for future venous access. According to the Standards vascular visualization technology should be used to increase success with peripheral cannulation and for vascular access device insertion. Additionally the Standards call out the near-infrared vein visualization category.

Since VeinViewer introduced near-infrared vein illumination technology over 10 years ago, healthcare has studied the effectiveness of devices in this category through numerous clinical trials. Based on the body of evidence, the Standards of Practice recommends that clinicians should “consider the use of near-infrared (nIR) light technology to aid in locating viable superficial peripheral venous sites and decreasing procedure time for short peripheral catheter insertion.” The publication stated that near-infrared light technology should be considered “to identify peripheral venous sites and facilitate more informed decisions about vein selection.” The use of VeinViewer by Christie complies with the INS recommendation and has been clinically proved to improve first-stick success; two VeinViewer clinical studies showing these results are cited in the Standards bibliography.
“We’re pleased that the Infusion Nurses Society has reviewed the evidence and recognized the benefit of near-infrared vein visualization technology for patients and clinicians,” says George Pinho, president, Christie Medical Holdings, Inc. “VeinViewer is the only device of its kind clinically proven to positively impact quality of care through improved PIV access and patient satisfaction.”

Christie VeinViewer technology can aid clinicians in adhering to these updated standards since it uses near infrared light to create a real-time digital image of patient vasculature. VeinViewer lets clinicians see peripheral veins up to 10mm deep and blood patterns up to 15mm deep while also locating valves and bifurcations, which aids in pre-stick decision making for the point of insertion. In post-assessment procedures, clinicians can assess the patency of the vessel to help avoid complications. The utilization of VeinViewer system can help clinicians provide the next level of patient care.

To learn more about Christie vein finding devices: VeinViewer Vision2 and VeinViewer Flex please visit www.christiemed.com.

About Christie Medical Holdings, Inc.

Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is a global company based in Memphis, Tenn., that discovers, develops and commercializes medical technologies. The company’s market-leading product, VeinViewer, is manufactured in the USA. It is a mobile vascular imaging system that allows health care providers to clearly see accessible vasculature as a real time HD image, directly on the surface of the skin. Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is owned by Christie Digital Systems Inc., a global visual technologies company and a subsidiary of Ushio Inc., Japan (JP:6925). For more information on Christie Digital Systems or Christie Medical Holdings, visit www.christiemed.com.

Pullman Regional Hospital adopts Christie VeinViewer technology

VeinViewer near-infrared vein finder technology to be used as part of hospital’s focus on children’s health

MEMPHIS Tenn. and PULLMAN, Wash. – (January 28, 2016)– Pullman Regional Hospital, a critical access hospital in eastern Washington, recently acquired a new technology, Christie VeinViewer® Vision2, designed to make venipuncture much easier and to increase first stick success by up to 100%.

As part of the hospital’s focus on children’s health, the technology will be particularly helpful when drawing blood or inserting an IV on a child, which can be difficult for a number of reasons, including smaller veins, subcutaneous fat and greater elasticity of skin. However, the technology can be used on all patients, including adults who may have small or hard to find veins.
Stacey Aggabao, R.N., director of the Emergency Department, brought the technology to Pullman Regional Hospital because “it dramatically decreases the anxiety experienced by patients, parents and staff when drawing blood or starting an IV.”

Statistics show that first time “stick rates” have increased from 31 percent to 83 percent using the technology (Christie Clinical Operations 2008). Patient satisfaction scores also improve. In one study a hospital that started using VeinViewer more than doubled their patient satisfaction scores after one month.

VeinViewer Vision2 uses harmless near-infrared light to detect patient veins and then projects a real-time, high definition image of the vein pattern directly on the skin surface so providers can quickly find more options for accessing a patient’s veins. The non-invasive, hands-free device is designed to move around beds, and it is portable and on wheels so it can be moved throughout hospital departments, such as the Emergency Department, the Laboratory, and the Medical/Surgical units.

To learn more about Christie vein finding devices: VeinViewer Vision2 and VeinViewer Flex please visit www.christiemed.com. For more information on Pullman Regional Hospital please visit our Facebook page.


About Christie Medical Holdings, Inc.

Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is a global company based in Memphis, Tenn., that discovers, develops and commercializes medical technologies. The company’s market-leading product, VeinViewer, is manufactured in the USA. It is a mobile vascular imaging system that allows health care providers to clearly see accessible vasculature as a real time HD image, directly on the surface of the skin. Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is owned by Christie Digital Systems Inc., a global visual technologies company and a subsidiary of Ushio Inc., Japan (JP:6925). For more information on Christie Digital Systems or Christie Medical Holdings, visit www.christiemed.com.

VeinViewer Vein Finder Technology a Valuable Learning Aid for Phlebotomy Training Specialists

VeinViewer Flex gives students extra confidence when learning best practices in venipuncture
MEMPHIS Tenn. and PULLMAN, Wash. – (January 5, 2016)– Phlebotomy Training Specialists (PTS), a training program that offers national phlebotomy training & certification at locations throughout the United States, has adopted Christie VeinViewer® near-infrared vein finder technology within its classrooms.

Understanding that students need an extra high level of reassurance and confidence during training, PTS uses VeinViewer Flex to aid in teaching students proper venipuncture techniques while learning how to “feel” for the appropriate venipuncture site.
Says Brian Treu, founder, CEO and owner of PTS, “Our main goal is to increase student confidence by teaching them to feel for veins, and then showing them that what they are feeling truly is a vein. Often, new students in the training setting have a hard time distinguishing things inside the arm from an anatomical perspective, and the VeinViewer helps them identify anatomical structures within the arm accurately and quickly in real time. It also helps to show them where they might have a challenging blood draw due to vein structures such as bifurcations, valves and tortuosity.”

VeinViewer Flex uses harmless near-infrared light to detect patient veins and then projects a real-time, high definition image of the vein pattern directly on the skin surface so students can quickly find more options for accessing a patient’s veins. VeinViewer Flex is the only device of its kind rated for use in all environments, including hospitals, alternate care facilities, homes and schools.

“The benefits of using VeinViewer Flex are twofold,” says Treu. “Students and employers will benefit equally from implementation of this technology. Graduating our students with knowledge of the book portion of class is the easy part; the tough part for students is graduating with a solid hands-on skillset. We have never had a problem in accomplishing this in the past with our robust program, but with VeinViewer technology we can enhance the speed with which students gain that skill set.”

“The quicker the students get the ‘feel’ in class, the more accurate and effective each subsequent blood-draw becomes. VeinViewer gets them to that point in class very quickly with visual reassurances, positive feedback and reinforcement,” concludes Treu.
PTS is implementing VeinViewer Flex technology at all of its training sites across the country. PTS currently operates schools in Utah, Colorado, Idaho and California, and is opening schools in Washington, Oregon, Texas, North Carolina, Florida, Illinois, Connecticut and Alabama throughout 2016.
To learn more about Christie vein finding devices: VeinViewer Vision2 and VeinViewer Flex please visit www.christiemed.com.
About Phlebotomy Training Specialists

Phlebotomy Training Specialists was founded in 1993 when a need for more aggressive hands on Phlebotomy training was identified. Since initial operations PTS has trained over 103,000 students. Their students are highly sought after for their unique hands on skill set which is the primary focus of training for students PTS. www.PhlebotomyUSA.com.

About Christie Medical Holdings, Inc.

Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is a global company based in Memphis, Tenn., that discovers, develops and commercializes medical technologies. The company’s market-leading product, VeinViewer, is manufactured in the USA. It is a mobile vascular imaging system that allows health care providers to clearly see accessible vasculature as a real time HD image, directly on the surface of the skin. Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is owned by Christie Digital Systems Inc., a global visual technologies company and a subsidiary of Ushio Inc., Japan (JP:6925). For more information on Christie Digital Systems or Christie Medical Holdings, visit www.christiemed.com.

Christie Medical Holdings to Display VeinViewer at American College of Phlebology Annual Congress

Vein finder technology aids physicians in sclerotherapy procedures

ORLANDO, Fla.– – (November 11, 2015) – Christie Medical Holdings Inc., the global leader in vein finder technology, will be displaying its VeinViewer® Flex and VeinViewer® Vision2 at the ACP 2015 annual congress, November 12-14 at the Hilton Bonnet Creek in Orlando, Florida, in booth 211. The ACP annual congress brings together physicians and healthcare professionals from around the world to provide vein care practitioners the latest minimally invasive techniques.

With VeinViewer clinicians can locate the deeper veins that feed spider veins, which aids in mapping the treatment procedure. VeinViewer uses harmless, near-infrared light to provide clinicians an accurate image of peripheral veins up to 10mm deep and blood patterns up to 15mm deep. Using VeinViewer in during sclerotherapy, clinicians can actually watch as sclerosant clears the blood column.
"VeinViewer is a leading edge technology that helps vein specialists provide the highest level of care to their patient," says George Pinho, president, Christie Medical Holdings, "and physicians can incorporate VeinViewer into their procedures with ease."

VeinViewer also allows the patient to see the root cause of their issue during the consultation and gain a greater degree of understanding around the treatment plan. They can also see before and after pictures of the affected area with VeinViewer's Image Capture feature. Physicians attending ACP will be able to interact with this innovative technology first-hand. ​

To learn more about Christie vein finding devices: VeinViewer Vision2 and VeinViewer Flex, please visit www.christiemed.com.

About Christie Medical Holdings, Inc.

Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is a global company based in Memphis, Tenn., that discovers, develops and commercializes medical technologies. The company's market-leading product, VeinViewer, is manufactured in the USA. It is a mobile vascular imaging system that allows health care providers to clearly see accessible vasculature as a real time HD image, directly on the surface of the skin. Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is owned by Christie Digital Systems Inc., a global visual technologies company and a subsidiary of Ushio Inc., Japan (JP:6925). For more information on Christie Digital Systems or Christie Medical Holdings, visit www.christiemed.com.​.

Hemophilia Federation of America Receives Donation of Christie VeinViewer Flex

VeinViewer Flex will be used in educational programs to teach IV insertion techniques to families for self-infusions

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – (November 4, 2015)–Christie Medical Holdings Inc., a global leader in portable vein imaging systems to aid in venipuncture procedures, has donated a VeinViewer® Flex to the Hemophilia Federation of America (HFA) as part of the Christie CARES philanthropy program.

Based in Washington, D.C., the Hemophilia Federation of America serves as a consumer advocate for safe, affordable and obtainable blood products and health coverage, as well as a better quality of life for all persons with bleeding disorders.
The primary treatment that bleeding disorder patients use to control or prevent bleeds consists of intravenous infusions of clotting factor replacement therapy. Many patients and their families learn to self-infuse these products at home, and those with severe hemophilia, may be infusing multiple times per week. Hemophilia Federation of America (HFA) conducted a study in 2013 that found 48 percent of parents identified infusions and venous access as high concerns. As a result, HFA developed educational curriculum and published resources online to offer tips and tricks for smoother infusions.

Since 2004, HFA's "Dads in Action" and "Moms in Action" programs have provided education, support, and outreach to parents of children with bleeding disorders. These programs offer local and national educational sessions, online resources, webcasts, and printed materials. Beginning in November, HFA will use the donated VeinViewer Flex at its local member organization meetings throughout the country. With the assistance of trained medical personnel, community members will be able to see their veins and practice self-infusion techniques. ​

"Learning how to self-infuse clotting factor is vital for a person living with hemophilia and other rare bleeding disorders. However, many experience great difficulty accessing their own or their child's veins," explains Kimberly Haugstad, HFA Executive Director. "Giving families the confidence to continue working toward independently infusing at home is crucial to improving the quality of life for bleeding disorder patients. We are so fortunate and thankful that we are now able to incorporate VeinViewer into our educational programing."

"This is a great opportunity for Christie to give back to the community," said George Pinho, president, Christie Medical Holdings Inc. "We're proud to be able to donate a VeinViewer Flex and assist HFA in their mission to provide educational programs for families and children."

Available via healthcare practitioners, the VeinViewer vein finder has been shown to greatly increase first-stick success for intravenous (IV) access. VeinViewer Flex is the only device of its kind that is rated for use in all environments, including alternate care facilities and homes.

The Christie VeinViewer Flex system uses harmless near-infrared light to detect patient veins and then projects a real-time, high definition image of the vein pattern directly on the skin surface. Nurses can quickly find more options for accessing a patient's veins. A more thorough assessment with VeinViewer Flex means patients may avoid multiple needle sticks and possible future complications sometimes associated with IV access.

To learn more about Christie vein finding devices: VeinViewer Vision2 and​ VeinViewer Flex, please visit www.christiemed.com.

About Hemophilia Federation of America

Hemophilia Federation of America is a national, community-based, 501(c) (3) non-profit organization. HFA consists of more than 43 member organizations that offer assistance and grassroots advocacy education to the bleeding disorders community. Incorporated in 1994, HFA provides programs and services to improve the quality of all living with hemophilia, von Willebrand Disease (VWD), and other rare bleeding disorders. www.hemophiliafed.org​

About Christie Medical Holdings, Inc.​

Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is a global company based in Memphis, Tenn., that discovers, develops and commercializes medical technologies. The company's market-leading product, VeinViewer, is manufactured in the USA. It is a mobile vascular imaging system that allows health care providers to clearly see accessible vasculature as a real time HD image, directly on the surface of the skin. Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is owned by Christie Digital Systems Inc., a global visual technologies company and a subsidiary of Ushio Inc., Japan (JP:6925). For more information on Christie Digital Systems or Christie Medical Holdings, visit ​ www.christiemed.com.

Ft. Lauderdale In-Home Care Agency Brings VeinViewer Straight to Clients

BrightStar Care of Ft. Lauderdale, a locally owned and operated Home Healthcare Agency within the BrightStar Care Franchise system, Improves Care for Infusion Therapy Clients

FT. LAUDERDALE, Fl. and MEMPHIS, Tn. – (October 22, 2015)– BrightStar Care® of Ft. Lauderdale, a premier private-duty home healthcare agency, and Christie Medical Holdings, Inc., a global leader in portable vascular imaging systems, today reported use of the Christie VeinViewer® Flex vein finder has helped improve the care provided to BrightStar Care of Ft. Lauderdale home infusion clients.

Because of their chronic illnesses, home healthcare patients receiving regular intravenous therapy may present a difficult challenge when it comes to finding a vein. Nurses providing care may have previously had no choice but to attempt numerous venipunctures in order to deliver necessary treatment. In 2013, BrightStar Care of Ft. Lauderdale was the first home healthcare agency in the country to adopt a new technology to help improve venipuncture success for their clients. VeinViewer vein illumination has been shown to greatly increase first-stick success for IV access. VeinViewer Flex is the only device of its kind that can be taken directly into the patient's home.

"VeinViewer Flex is easy to use and has saved us countless repeat sticks," said Al Zweig, RN, director of infusion services for BrightStar Care of Ft. Lauderdale. "We have had patients that while in the hospital were stuck over 20 times to get a single IV line started. Now when we schedule their home visits, our patients tell us 'Don't show up without the VeinViewer.'"


The Christie VeinViewer Flex system uses harmless near-infrared light to detect patient vasculature and then projects a real-time, high-definition image of the vein pattern directly on the skin surface. Nurses can quickly find more options for accessing a patient's veins. A more thorough assessment with VeinViewer Flex means patients may avoid multiple needle sticks and possible future complications sometimes associated with IV access. ​

"We know that families in our area have a lot of options when choosing home care services," stated Bill Tolia, president and co-owner of BrightStar Care Ft. Lauderdale. "We want to be the company that gives our clients throughout the Ft. Lauderdale and Pompano Beach area the highest level of in-home care available. In the two years we have been using VeinViewer Flex, we have saved our clients the pain and anxiety of multiple needlesticks and made more of a difference in their quality of life."

BrightStar Care of Ft. Lauderdale

is part of the BrightStar Care franchise system. BrightStar Care is a national private duty home care and medical staffing franchise with more than 300 locations that can provide medical and non-medical services to clients within their homes, as well as supplemental care staff to corporate clients. BrightStar Care is the recipient of the Joint Commission's Enterprise Champion for Quality designation for each of the three years the award has been available – the only company in the United States to achieve this prestigious designation. Each BrightStar Care Director of Nursing has membership in the Infusion Nurses Society.​​

About Christie Medical Holdings, Inc.

Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is a global company based in Memphis, Tenn., that discovers, develops and commercializes medical technologies. The company's market-leading product, VeinViewer system, is a mobile vascular imaging system that allows health care providers to clearly see accessible vasculature as a real time HD image, directly on the surface of the skin. Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is owned by Christie Digital Systems Inc., a global visual technologies company and a subsidiary of Ushio Inc., Japan ​(JP:6925). For more information on Christie Digital Systems or Christie Medical Holdings, visit www.christiemed.com.​

Christie Medical Holdings to Display VeinViewer Technology at AVA Annual Scientific Meeting

AVA/Dallas – (September 25, 2015)– Christie® Medical Holdings, Inc., the global leader in vein finding technology, will exhibit its VeinViewer® Vision2 and VeinViewer® Flex at the Association for Vascular Access (AVA) annual scientific meeting, September 26-29 at the Gaylord Texan Resort and Convention Center in booth 100. The meeting is the premier event dedicated to scientific research and clinical best practices in vascular access.

VeinViewer is a vascular access imaging device that can help the clinician find the optimal venipuncture site for first stick success in placing an IV catheter and avoid potential complications. With HD imaging and exclusive Df2 (digital full field) technology, VeinViewer is the only vein illuminator that provides benefits for all patients during the entire vascular access procedure and allows clinicians to employ a hands-free, Eyes On Patient (EOP) technique. Clinicians can assess the venous pattern of any patient regardless of age, skin tone, edema or obesity and VeinViewer can be used to help assess the patient pre-, during- and post-access.

“VeinViewer allows healthcare professionals to make a more informed decision when locating veins,” says George Pinho, president, Christie Medical Holdings, Inc. “The most obvious vein is not always the best choice, and VeinViewer can help guide clinicians to a vein that is best for the patient.”

VeinViewer uses near-infrared light, and exclusive technology such as Active Vascular Imaging Navigation (AVIN™) to create a digital image of patient vasculature in real time. VeinViewer allows clinicians to see peripheral veins up to 10mm deep and blood patterns up to 15mm deep, and can locate valves and bifurcations, which aids in decision making for the point of insertion. In post-assessment procedures, clinicians can assess the patency of the vessel to help avoid complications.

To learn more about Christie vein finding devices: VeinViewer Vision2 and VeinViewer Flex, please visit www.christiemed.com. ​

About Christie Medical Holdings, Inc.

Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is a global company based in Memphis, Tenn., that discovers, develops and commercializes medical technologies. The company’s market-leading product, VeinViewer, is manufactured in the USA. It is a mobile vascular imaging system that allows health care providers to clearly see accessible vasculature as a real time HD image, directly on the surface of the skin. Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is owned by Christie Digital Systems Inc., a global visual technologies company and a subsidiary of Ushio Inc., Japan (JP:6925). For more information on Christie Digital Systems or Christie Medical Holdings, visit www.christiemed.com.​​

Christie Medical Holdings to Display VeinViewer Technology at the Emergency Nurses Association Annual Conference

ENA/Orlando – (September 25, 2015)– Christie® Medical Holdings, Inc., the global leader in vein finding technology, will exhibit the VeinViewer® Flex and VeinViewer® Vision2 at the Emergency Nurses Association(ENA) Annual Conference from September 28 to October 3 at the Orange County Convention Center in booth 751.

Quick assessment is critical in fast-paced emergency environments, and VeinViewer locates the optimal venipuncture site in starting an IV to avoid potential complications. “Emergency nurses see every type of patient and venous access can be unpredictable,” says George Pinho, president, Christie Medical Holdings. “Nurses can make a more informed decision when picking an access site with VeinViewer technology.”

VeinViewer projects harmless near-infrared light onto the skin which is then absorbed by blood, but reflected by surrounding tissue. VeinViewer captures that information, processing it through a computer to create and then project a full field digital image of the patient’s vein pattern. The HD (high definition) image is projected directly on the skin in real time.

VeinViewer’s TrueView accuracy helps clinicians find the optimal access point and vessel target, while the device’s patented real-time digital full field imaging allows medical staff to navigate curves in vessels, confirm patent IV, react and adjust the technique to help ensure successful catheter placement. In post-assessment procedures, clinicians can assess the patency of the vessel to help avoid complications. VeinViewer can help improve first stick success by up to 100 percent, reduce medically unnecessary PICC lines by over 30 percent and increase patient satisfaction.

To learn more about Christie vein finding devices: VeinViewer Vision2 and VeinViewer Flex, please visit www.christiemed.com. ​

About Christie Medical Holdings, Inc.

Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is a global company based in Memphis, Tenn., that discovers, develops and commercializes medical technologies. The company’s market-leading product, VeinViewer, is a mobile vascular imaging system that allows health care providers to clearly see accessible vasculature as a real time HD image, directly on the surface of the skin. Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is owned by Christie Digital Systems Inc., a global visual technologies company and a subsidiary of Ushio Inc., Japan (JP:6925). For more information on Christie Digital Systems or Christie Medical Holdings, visit www.christiemed.com.

Christie VeinViewer Flex Technology to be Showcased at 2015 EMS World Expo

EMS World Expo/Las Vegas – (September 8, 2015) – Christie Medical Holdings, Inc., the global leader in vein finder technology, will exhibit its ultra-portable VeinViewer® Flex at the annual EMS World Expo September 15-19, in booth #230, at the Las Vegas Convention Center. The conference offers education and learning to EMS personnel and is the largest EMS, EMT and Paramedic event in North America.

VeinViewer Flex helps visualize peripheral vasculature for IV catheter placement utilizing harmless, near-infrared light. It is proven to improve peripheral IV first stick success by up to 100%. Ultra-portable and compact, VeinViewer Flex is the first choice for first responders when time to IV access matters in stabilizing critical patients. With its Class B EMS rating, VeinViewer Flex is cleared for use in patients’ homes and in a wide range of healthcare facilities. HD imaging and Df2 (Digital Full Field) technology provide VeinViewer Flex with the brightest and most accurate peripheral vein image for assessment pre-, during and post-vascular access procedure.

“EMS personnel need to assess a patient’s situation and act quickly,” said George Pinho, president, Christie Medical Holdings, Inc. “Whether in the field or Emergency Department, the small size, brightness, and portability of VeinViewer Flex make it well suited for EMS and MIH-CP programs.”

VeinViewer Flex helps visualize vasculature in difficult access patients including those with obesity, edema, dark skin and other issues. It provides a real-time, accurate image of the patient’s peripheral blood pattern. Its patented technology allows clinicians and EMS personnel to see blood patterns in veins up to 15 mm deep and clinically relevant veins up to 10mm deep. Clinicians can also see peripheral veins, bifurcations, valves and can assess the refill rate of veins in real time.

To learn more about Christie vein finding devices including VeinViewer Flex, VeinViewer Vision and VeinViewer Vision2, please visit www.christiemed.com. 2 of 2 ©2015 Christie Medical Holdings, Inc. ​

About Christie Medical Holdings, Inc.

Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is a global company based in Memphis, Tenn., that discovers, develops and commercializes medical technologies. The company's market-leading product, VeinViewer, is manufactured in the USA. It is a mobile vascular imaging system that allows health care providers to clearly see accessible vasculature as a real time HD image, directly on the surface of the skin. Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is owned by Christie Digital Systems Inc., a global visual technologies company and a subsidiary of Ushio Inc., Japan (JP:6925). For more information on Christie Digital Systems or Christie Medical Holdings, visit www.christiemed.com.

VeinViewer Study Presented at Infusion Nurses Conference Shows Significant Impact to Vein Preservation

​MEMPHIS, Tenn. – (June 16, 2015) – Christie Medical Holdings, Inc., the global leader in mobile vascular imaging systems today announced updated results in a quality improvement study evaluating the use of VeinViewer® technology for the reduction of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in an adult, renal-compromised population. By utilizing VeinViewer by Christie, the first and only full field digital HD vein imaging device on the market, over 675 unnecessary PICC lines were avoided in 2013 and 2014 compared to their 2012 baseline, an average yearly decrease of over 20 percent. The vein preservation study assessed if using VeinViewer by Christie resulted in an increased success rate of peripheral IV’s, resulting in a decrease in the number of PICCs placed solely due to the inability to gain peripheral access.

Recent discussions in the healthcare community call into question the use of PICC lines and the long-term impact. An article published in the February 2015 issue of Thrombosis Research titled Patterns, risk factors and treatment associated with PICC-DVT in hospitalized adults: A nested case-control study, the authors lead by Dr. Vineet Choppra, M.D., M.Sc., University of Michigan Medical School, state that physicians should only order PICC lines when truly needed due to the increased risk of clots. During research conducted in 2012 and 2013 nearly 30 percent of patients that received a PICC line at U-M Health System developed a clot associated with the line within 10 days.

The full results of the St. Elizabeth study were presented by Patti Wilcox BSN RN VA-BC Nurse Manager of the IV Therapy Team, last month to healthcare professionals at the Infusion Nurses Society Annual Conference in Louisville, Kentucky. Patients who have had PICC lines placed prior to arteriovenous fistula creation are more than three times as likely to experience AVF failure. In addition to vein preservation, a similar reduction in PICCs would result in a potential savings of $475,300 based on an average national PICC cost of approximately $700. Results like those achieved by St. Elizabeth Healthcare continue to validate the effectiveness of VeinViewer in reducing medically unnecessary PICC lines, their mounting costs and potential risk of infection and clotting, while offering a return on investment.

VeinViewer by Christie is the only vein illumination device on the market that provides pre-, during-, and post-access benefits throughout the entire vascular access procedure and has been shown through clinical studies to increase both first stick success and patient satisfaction up to 100 percent.

To learn more about Christie product offerings: VeinViewer Vision2, VeinViewer VisionXTND and VeinViewer Flex, please visit our website at www.christiemed.com.

To learn more about Christie vein finding devices including VeinViewer Flex, VeinViewer Vision and VeinViewer Vision2, please visit www.christiemed.com. 2 of 2 ©2015 Christie Medical Holdings, Inc.

St. Elizabeth Healthcare

St. Elizabeth Healthcare operates six facilities throughout Northern Kentucky — Edgewood, Florence, Ft. Thomas, Covington, Grant and Falmouth. It also has vast resources to serve the Greater Cincinnati area, including almost 1,200 licensed beds, a physician organization which includes more than 86 primary care and specialty office locations, more than 1,200 physicians with admitting privileges, more than 7,400 associates including St. Elizabeth Physicians, more than 1,200 volunteers, three freestanding imaging centers and two outpatient ambulatory surgery centers. St. Elizabeth Healthcare is sponsored by the Diocese of Covington and provided more than $93 million in uncompensated care and benefit to the community in 2011. For more information, visit www.stelizabeth.com.

About Christie Medical Holdings, Inc.

Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is a global company based in Memphis, Tenn., that discovers, develops and commercializes medical technologies. The company’s market-leading product, VeinViewer, is a mobile vascular imaging system that allows health care providers to clearly see accessible vasculature as a real time HD image, directly on the surface of the skin. Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is owned by Christie Digital Systems Inc., a global visual technologies company and a subsidiary of Ushio Inc., Japan. For more information on Christie Digital Systems or Christie Medical Holdings, visit www.christiemed.com.

Christie Medical Holdings reports record growth and expands Memphis office

​MEMPHIS, Tenn. – (May 20, 2015)– Christie Medical Holdings, Inc., manufacturer of VeinViewer® portable vascular imaging systems, today announced the expansion of its Memphis office as a result of sales growth and future initiatives. Since the company was acquired by Christie Digital Systems in 2009, Christie Medical Holdings has seen consistent sales growth. Fiscal 2015 was the best year to date with a 42 percent growth in orders over the previous year. In mid-August, the company will move to its new Lenox Park office. The move is necessitated by a significant increase in staff to support growth in VeinViewer sales and new product development.

"Our team has made incredible strides in the past five years," said George Pinho, president of Christie Medical Holdings. "We have expanded our support programs to bring a greater value to our customers and improved the design of VeinViewer to meet their needs." Christie VeinViewer was the first device to utilize patented technologies to locate subcutaneous veins and project a real-time image of their location onto the surface of the skin in 2006, and in 2014, the company launched its sixth generation device. The benefits of this technology include improved peripheral vascular access resulting in significantly fewer intravenous (or IV) sticks, less time to start an IV, improved patient comfort and reduced healthcare operating costs. It is estimated that nine out of every 10 procedures within a hospital start with IV access and there are over one billion vein punctures performed annually in the U.S. alone.

The growth of Christie can be attributed to multiple factors. VeinViewer has become the gold standard for vein finders. Multiple hospital groups across the U.S. have system-wide deployments of Christie VeinViewer with over 100 VeinViewer systems across various departments. VeinViewer also leads in clinical evidence. One recent study at St. Elizabeth Healthcare showed a potential yearly savings of $238,000 in one department alone through improved IV catheter placement and reduction in central line placement due to difficult venous access.

In 2014, the Infusion Nurses Society (INS) published a position paper in the Journal of Infusion Nursing. One of the recommendations made by the seven-member task force of infusion therapy experts was to "incorporate vein visualization technology as a routine strategy for patients with difficult or poor venous access. Visualization technology can improve success rates, decrease unsuccessful insertion attempts, and improve patient satisfaction." All three of the supporting evidence papers cited in the panel's research regarding the recommendation of vein visualization were studies based on VeinViewer® by Christie Medical Holdings.

VeinViewer uses harmless, near-infrared light and digital light processing (DLP®) technologies to project an image of venous patterns up to 10mm deep and blood patterns up to 15mm. It is proven to increase first-stick success rates and patient satisfaction by up to 100%.

Christie's growth plans reach beyond VeinViewer, with multiple new products currently in development.

To learn more about current Christie product offerings: VeinViewer Vision2, VeinViewer VisionXTND and VeinViewer Flex, please visit www.christiemed.com.

About Christie Medical Holdings, Inc.

Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is a global company based in Memphis, Tennessee, that discovers, develops and commercializes medical technologies. The company's market-leading product, VeinViewer®, is a mobile vascular imaging system that allows health care providers to clearly see accessible vasculature as a real time HD image, directly on the surface of the skin. Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is owned by Christie Digital Systems Inc., a global visual technologies company and a subsidiary of Ushio Inc., Japan (JP:6925). For more information on Christie Digital Systems or Christie Medical Holdings, visit www.christiedigital.com.

Christie Vein Imaging Device on Display at 2015 AACN National Teaching Institute and Critical Care Exposition

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – (May 14, 2015)Christie Medical Holdings, the global leader in vein imaging solutions, will exhibit its award winning VeinViewer® technology at the 2015 AACN National Teaching Institute and Critical Care Exposition®. The exposition is being held at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California. Exhibit days are May 19-21. VeinViewer by Christie will be on display in booth 1610.

VeinViewer is a vein visualization device that uses harmless, near-infrared light to project a real-time, HD image of a patient’s veins directly on the surface of their skin. VeinViewer is the only direct projection vein finder on the market capable of providing a clinician information Pre-, During and Post vascular access.

“Nurses in the critical care unit are working with very ill patients that can pose huge challenges in vascular access, potentially delaying care. VeinViewer technology not only helps a healthcare provider find a vein, it helps the provider find the optimal vein for peripheral IV access,” says VeinViewer product manager Erin Shelton.

In addition to demonstrations of VeinViewer technology, Christie Medical Holdings is also offering educational sessions during the expo. Attendees can earn CERPs (continuing education recognition points) when they take part in a Christie-sponsored ExpoEd session. Sessions will be offered in Christie booth 1610 each day the exhibit hall is open.

VeinViewer is clinically proven to increase first-stick success rates by up to 100%, increase patient satisfaction 100% and reduce the number of invasive PICC lines (peripherally inserted central catheters) placed because peripheral IV access could not be achieved.

To learn more about Christie vein finding devices: VeinViewer Vision2, VeinViewer VisionXTND and VeinViewer Flex, please visit www.christiemed.com.

About Christie Medical Holdings, Inc.

Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is a global company based in Memphis, Tenn., that discovers, develops and commercializes medical technologies. The company’s market-leading product, VeinViewer, is a mobile vascular imaging system that allows health care providers to clearly see accessible vasculature as a real time HD image, directly on the surface of the skin. Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is owned by Christie Digital Systems Inc., a global visual technologies company and a subsidiary of Ushio Inc., Japan (JP:6925). For more information on Christie Digital Systems or Christie Medical Holdings, visit www.christiemed.com.

Christie VeinViewer Technology at 2015 Infusion Nurses Society Convention & Industrial Exhibition

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - (May 13, 2015) - Christie Medical Holdings, the global leader in vein imaging solutions, will exhibit its award winning VeinViewer® technology at this year’s Convention & Industrial Exhibition of the Infusion Nurses Society. The annual conference is being held at the Kentucky International Convention Center in Louisville, Kentucky this year. Exhibit days are May 18-20. VeinViewer by Christie will be on display in booth 436.

VeinViewer is a vein visualization device that uses harmless, near-infrared light to project a real-time, HD image of a patient’s veins directly on the surface of their skin. VeinViewer is the only direct projection vein finder on the market capable of providing a clinician information Pre-, During and Post vascular access.

In a position paper discussing patient safety the Infusion Nurses Society emphasized the importance of understanding preinsertion, insertion and postinsertion practices to ensure patient safety. "The INS position paper aligns with the benefits of VeinViewer technology," says Erin Shelton, VeinViewer product manager. "The technology can help a healthcare provider find the optimal site on a patient to start a peripheral IV, and because it has real-time imaging, VeinViewer is able to provide information after the IV is placed."

The INS position paper also recommends "incorporating vein visualization technology as a routine strategy for patients with difficult or poor venous access," stating that "visualization technology can improve success rates, decrease unsuccessful insertion attempts, and improve patient satisfaction."

All three of the supporting evidence papers cited in the panel’s research regarding recommendations for vein visualization technology were studies conducted using VeinViewer by Christie.

VeinViewer technology is clinically proven to increase first-stick success rates by up to 100%, increase patient satisfaction 100% and decrease the number of PICC lines (peripherally inserted central catheters) placed because peripheral IV access could not be achieved.

An educational poster scheduled for presentation at INS 2015 examines the use of near-infrared light technology as a means to reduce PICC line placement. It shows a significant reduction in the number of PICC lines placed after implementation of near-infrared light technology as a means to increase successful peripheral IV placement. To learn more about Christie vein finding devices: VeinViewer Vision2, VeinViewer VisionXTND and VeinViewer Flex, please visit www.christiemed.com.

About Christie Medical Holdings, Inc.

Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is a global company based in Memphis, Tenn., that discovers, develops and commercializes medical technologies. The company’s market-leading product, VeinViewer, is a mobile vascular imaging system that allows health care providers to clearly see accessible vasculature as a real time HD image, directly on the surface of the skin. Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is owned by Christie Digital Systems Inc., a global visual technologies company and a subsidiary of Ushio Inc., Japan (JP:6925). For more information on Christie Digital Systems or Christie Medical Holdings, visit www.christiemed.com.

Baylor Scott & White Health Adopts Christie VeinViewer Imaging Device

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – (March 11, 2015) –Christie Medical Holdings , Inc., a global leader in portable vascular imaging systems, today announced placement of the Christie VeinViewer® HD vein illumination device in 15 Baylor Scott & White Health facilities across the state of Texas. More than 60 VeinViewer systems assist in intravenous (IV) catheter placement and blood draws.

The Christie VeinViewer system is the first and only device to use harmless near-infrared light to detect patient vasculature and then project a real-time, high definition image of the vein pattern directly on the skin surface. Nurses can quickly find more options for accessing a patient's veins. A more thorough assessment with VeinViewer means patients may avoid multiple needle sticks and possible future complications sometimes associated with IV access.

George Pinho, Christie's president, said "We are really pleased that Baylor Scott & White Health chose the Christie VeinViewer imaging system, and the company's training and education. Only VeinViewer can provide pre-, during and post-access benefits throughout the entire vascular access procedure. It is also the only device of its kind that has been shown through clinical studies to increase both first-stick success and patient satisfaction by up to 100 percent while reducing medically unnecessary PICC lines by over 30 percent."

Through the industry-first Christie Assure Program™, Baylor Scott & White Health has five-year warranty support and an upgrade program to the latest Christie product platforms. Over 700 Baylor nurses have been trained by Christie clinicians. Clinicians can also take advantage of Christie-provided online education and training.

About Christie Medical Holdings, Inc.

Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is a global company based in Memphis, Tenn., that discovers, develops and commercializes medical technologies. The company's market-leading product, VeinViewer system, is a mobile vascular imaging system that allows health care providers to clearly see accessible vasculature as a real time HD image, directly on the surface of the skin. Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is owned by Christie Digital Systems Inc., a global visual technologies company and a subsidiary of Ushio Inc., Japan (JP:6925). For more information on Christie Digital Systems or Christie Medical Holdings, visit www.christiemed.com.

Christie Announces New VeinViewer Online Training for Assure Program Customers

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – (February 25, 2015)– Christie Medical Holdings, Inc. today announced an online training addition to its Christie Assure Program™. This industry-leading utilization training program provides added educational resources for U.S. acute hospitals that use the HD VeinViewer® vein illumination products designed to project vascular imaging on the surface of the skin.

The new online courses are an extension of the in-person utilization training already offered through the Christie Assure Program, a comprehensive set of services designed to help ensure successful implementation of Christie products and deliver continuous customer support and education. The extensive multi-year Assure Program is the first to be implemented in the vascular imaging device industry.“The online training for our current Assure Program customers provides additional support for busy hospital staff,” said Erin Shelton, VeinViewer product manager at Christie. “Assure customers can now access a multitude of training courses when it best suits them.”

Current online courses include product overview and clinical applications, where upon completion staff can receive a certificate. Future courses will be added as they become available.

The Christie Assure Program: Utilization training after delivery of device


The up to five-year hands-on utilization training is taught by Clinical Applications Consultants (CACs), nurses skilled in venipuncture procedures, IV policy, procedure development and hospital-wide device implementation. The program offers in-depth training to hospital staff to bolster the VeinViewer integration; using the skills nurses already possess to achieve measurable results.

Clinical studies have proven the benefits of VeinViewer technology with results showing up to a 100 percent increase in first stick success rates, up to a 100 percent increase in patient satisfaction ratings and a 30 percent decrease in medically unnecessary PICC lines. The goal is to maximize the positive return each facility receives from its investment and to improve patient care.

Clinical education

The up to five-year clinical education component offered under the Christie Assure Program includes VeinViewer implementation that surpasses the “in-service” support that typically accompanies the sale of products. The Clinical Education program offers both product education and implementation managed and delivered by a CAC. The program teaches advanced concepts of using VeinViewer, proper techniques for visualization, critical thinking skills and scenarios – all to help improve overall vascular access and protocol adoption. Clinical assessment of the IV site is key and VeinViewer is the only device of its kind to provide Pre, During and Post-access (PDP) vascular visualization benefits, elevating it from a simple vein finder to providing exclusive HD imaging quality benefits. Training beyond the initial needlestick and even beyond the first IV placement is critical to full utilization and benefiting patient care and patient care economics.

Through this program, VeinViewer users stay current on the latest innovations in medical devices, such as near-infrared technologies in peripheral vascular access, and guidance from key industry bodies that set national standards.Five-year warranty and upgrade pathChristie’s Assure Program includes a full five-year parts and labor warranty program for all VeinViewers purchased starting June 2013, and includes a five-year technology upgrade path for existing customers who wish to upgrade their current technology or trade-in other manufacturers’ technology through the popular FreshStart program. Customers should review the Christie Assure Program in detail for relevant terms that apply.

VeinViewer uses harmless, near-infrared light and DLP® technologies to project an image of venous patterns up to 10mm deep and blood patterns up to 15mm. It is proven to increase first-stick success rates and patient satisfaction by up to 100%. VeinViewer technology was developed with the aid of the engineering capabilities and resources of parent company Christie Digital Systems, a leading global visual technology firm with more than 85 years of experience in the projection system industry.To learn more about Christie product offerings: VeinViewer Vision2, VeinViewer VisionXTND and VeinViewer Flex, please visit www.christiemed.com.

About Christie Medical Holdings, Inc.

Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is a global company based in Memphis, Tenn., that discovers, develops and commercializes medical technologies. The company’s market-leading product, VeinViewer, is a mobile vascular imaging system that allows health care providers to clearly see accessible vasculature as a real time HD image, directly on the surface of the skin. Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is owned by Christie Digital Systems Inc., a global visual technologies company and a subsidiary of Ushio Inc., Japan (JP:6925). For more information on Christie Digital Systems or Christie Medical Holdings, visit www.christiedigital.com.

Emergency Medical Services Practitioners use Christie VeinViewer for IV Access in the Field

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – (January 20, 2015)– Emergency Medical Services (EMS) - firefighters, first responders and paramedics – have a new first line of defense when it comes to difficult IV access. These clinicians trust Christie VeinViewer® Flex to access patients’ veins quickly for starting IV fluids and medications during emergency situations. Christie’s vein finder technology device projects an HD image of a patient’s vein directly onto the surface of the skin allowing EMS personnel to see blood patterns up to 15mm deep.

The West Memphis Fire Department in Arkansas deployed three VeinViewer Flex devices in its emergency vehicles in 2014. According to Chris Brogdon, West Memphis Fire Department EMS Director, “VeinViewer is an invaluable tool that is easy to use and especially effective for difficult IV access patients regardless of age, skin tone or body size.”

“The portable VeinViewer Flex is ideal for EMS professionals who have to act quickly to find a patient’s vein. The device uses harmless, near-infrared light so there are no eye safety issues and, with its Class B rating, it can be taken into a patient’s home,” said Christie VeinViewer Product Manager, Erin Shelton. “VeinViewer provides a simple alternative before having to move on to more invasive and painful procedures such as intraosseous infusions.”

VeinViewer is proven to increase the rate of successful first-stick attempts by up to 100%. This can potentially cut down on more invasive and expensive procedures. The West Memphis Fire Department has already seen a return on their investment. Brogdon added, “In just four months it [VeinViewer Flex] paid for itself by reducing the number of unnecessary IOs.”

How VeinViewer works


Christie VeinViewer projects an HD image of a patient’s veins directly onto the surface of the skin. Harmless near-infrared light is absorbed by hemoglobin in the patient’s blood and reflected by surrounding tissue. VeinViewer then captures that information, processes it and projects a real-time, high-definition image of the patient’s veins directly on the surface of the skin.

VeinViewer technology was developed with the aid of the engineering capabilities and resources of parent company Christie Digital Systems, a leading global visual technology firm with more than 80 years of experience in the projection systems industry.

With HD imaging and Df2 technology, this small VeinViewer model is the brightest and only handheld vein illuminator that provides benefits for all patients during the entire Pre-, During- and Post- vascular access procedure. It is ideal for alternate care facilities, such as surgery and blood/plasma centers, as well as home healthcare and Emergency Medical Services (EMS), well suited for hospital departments such as the Emergency Department and NICU where space requirements and speed of assessment demand an ultra-portable and reliable vein finder.

To learn more about Christie product offerings: VeinViewer Vision2, VeinViewer VisionXTND and VeinViewer Flex, please visit www.christiemed.com.

About Christie Medical Holdings, Inc.

Christie Medical Holdings, Inc. is a global company based in Memphis, Tenn., that discovers, develops and commercializes medical technologies. The company’s market-leading product, VeinViewer, is a mobile vascular imaging system that allows health care providers to clearly see accessible vasculature as a real time HD image, directly on the surface of the skin. VeinViewer is manufactured in the USA. Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is owned by Christie Digital Systems Inc., a global visual technologies company and a subsidiary of Ushio Inc., Japan (JP:6925). For more information on Christie Digital Systems or Christie Medical Holdings, visit www.christiemed.com.

Christie VeinViewer Flex Technology Showcased For the First Time at 2014 EMS World Expo

Nashville, Tenn. – (November 10, 2014)– Christie Medical Holdings, a global leader in mobile vein imaging systems, will exhibit for the first time its portable VeinViewer® Flex device for emergency medical services at the annual EMS World Expo November 11-13, in booth #651, in Nashville. The EMS expo, which offers education and learning to EMS personnel, is the largest EMS conference and tradeshow in North America, with over 300 exhibitors and 5, 000 attendees.

VeinViewer Flex, with its B Class rating, is ideal for use by EMS professionals on patients in their homes as well as in alternate care facilities, such as surgery and blood/plasma centers. Designed for durability and maximum portability, Flex can also be used in hospital departments such as the Emergency Department and NICU where space requirements and speed of assessment demand an ultra-portable and reliable vein finder.

With HD imaging and Df2 (Digital full field) technology, this small VeinViewer model is the brightest and only handheld vein illuminator that provides benefits for all patients during the entire Pre-, During- and Post- vascular access procedure, thereby improving the total vascular access procedure, not just the stick.

VeinViewer projects near-infrared light which is absorbed by blood and reflected by surrounding tissue. The information is captured, processed and projected digitally in real time directly onto the surface of the skin. It provides a real time accurate image of the patient's blood pattern. Its patented technology, using AVIN™ (Active Vascular Imaging Navigation), allows clinicians/EMS personnel to see patterns up to 15mm deep and clinically relevant veins up to 10mm. Clinicians can also see peripheral veins, bifurcations and valves and assess in real time the refill/flushing of veins.

“EMS personnel need to assess a patient’s situation and act quickly. VeinViewer Flex has been reported by users to increase first stick attempts and decrease intraosseous (IO) procedures up to 75 percent,” said Christie Product Manager Erin Shelton.

VeinViewer is the first and only device on the market to use: harmless near-infrared light, DLP® technologies, exclusive technology such as Active Vascular Imaging Navigation (AVIN™) which has been shown by clinical studies to increase both first stick success and patient satisfaction up to 100 percent while reducing medically unnecessary PICC lines by over 30 percent. VeinViewer’s TrueView imaging accuracy in projected vein-widths is three to ten times more accurate than the competition. With its Df2 (digital full field) projection, VeinViewer is able to provide a real-time, HD image of vasculature directly onto the surface of the skin.

To learn more about Christie vein finding devices: VeinViewer Vision2, VeinViewer VisionXTND and VeinViewer Flex, please visit www.christiemed.com.

About Christie Medical Holdings, Inc.

Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is a global company based in Memphis, Tenn., that discovers, develops and commercializes medical technologies. The company’s market-leading product, VeinViewer, is manufactured in the USA. It is a mobile vascular imaging system that allows health care providers to clearly see accessible vasculature as a real time HD image, directly on the surface of the skin. Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is owned by Christie Digital Systems Inc., a global visual technologies company and a subsidiary of Ushio Inc., Japan (JP:6925). For more information on Christie Digital Systems or Christie Medical Holdings, visit www.christiemed.com.

Christie VeinViewer Technology Showcased at 2014 American College of Phlebology Exhibition

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – (November 4, 2014)– Christie Medical Holdings, a global leader in mobile vein imaging systems, will exhibit its sixth generation VeinViewer® at the annual American College of Phlebology (ACP) Congress November 6-8, in booth #210 at the JW Marriott Desert Ridge Resort in Phoenix. The ACP Congress is the largest annual gathering of vein specialists in the U.S. It brings together specialists in phlebology, vascular surgery, plastic surgery and more.

VeinViewer by Christie can be a valuable assessment tool for vascular procedures and surgeries. Using harmless, near-infrared light and digital full field technology, VeinViewer is able to project a real-time, HD image of a patient’s vasculature directly onto the surface of the skin.

VeinViewer allows clinicians to see blood patterns up to 15mm deep. Doctors can use the device to help them identify deeper, reticular veins—the kinds of veins that feed problem structures like varicose or spider veins. “VeinViewer helps when I am mapping vein targets before a procedure,” said Dr. Steven Heird, vascular surgeon and founder of the Advanced Vein & Laser Center in York, Pennsylvania. “It is must-have technology for anyone that considers themselves a vein specialist.” An early adopter of VeinViewer, Dr. Heird will lead a question-and-answer session about incorporating the technology into his practice. He will be in booth #210 at the ACP Congress Friday, November 8, noon to 1 p.m., and then again from 3-3:30 p.m.

“Doctors who specialize in vein treatment have to stay on the leading edge of technology,” said Product Manager Erin Shelton of Christie. “Not only does VeinViewer help provide more precise vein mapping through identification of deeper feeder veins, but it can also potentially help the clinician avoid secondary procedures. VeinViewer also provides a valuable asset for physicians in explaining the procedure during the consultation. Patients that are more informed may feel much more at ease.” Click video to see VeinViewer in use during a sclerotherapy procedure.

VeinViewer is the first and only device on the market to use: harmless near-infrared light, DLP® technologies, exclusive technology such as Active Vascular Imaging Navigation (AVIN™) which has been shown by clinical studies to increase both first stick success and patient satisfaction up to 100 percent while reducing medically unnecessary PICC lines by over 30 percent. VeinViewer’s TrueView imaging accuracy in projected vein-widths is three to ten times more accurate than the competition. With its Df2 (Digital full field) projection VeinViewer is able to provide a real-time, HD image of vasculature directly onto the surface of the skin.To learn more about Christie vein finding devices: VeinViewer Vision2, VeinViewer VisionXTND and VeinViewer Flex, please visit www.christiemed.com.

About Christie Medical Holdings, Inc.

Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is a global company based in Memphis, Tenn., that discovers, develops and commercializes medical technologies. The company’s market-leading product, VeinViewer, is manufactured in the USA. It is a mobile vascular imaging system that allows health care providers to clearly see accessible vasculature as a real time HD image, directly on the surface of the skin. Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is owned by Christie Digital Systems Inc., a global visual technologies company and a subsidiary of Ushio Inc., Japan (JP:6925). For more information on Christie Digital Systems or Christie Medical Holdings, visit www.christiemed.com.

Christie VeinViewer to be Showcased in Emergency Department Simulator at ACEP 2014 Innovated

ACEP/CHICAGO – (October 23, 2014)– Christie VeinViewer® is one of only a handful of medical technologies chosen to exhibit at this year’s ACEP innovatED, a simulated emergency department inside the 2014 American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) Scientific Assembly. It is open to all ACEP14 attendees from October 27 to October 29 at McCormick Place West in Chicago.A special media tour is scheduled for 9 a.m. on October 27. Reporters can obtain credentials for free access to the exhibit hall in the media relations office, room W181A, McCormick Place West.

VeinViewer will be used in two of the three innovatED trauma bays and in the diagnostics* and therapeutics area of the simulated emergency department. VeinViewer is a vein visualization device that projects a real-time, HD image of a patient’s veins onto the surface of the skin. The technology is used to help in everything from blood draws to IV starts.“Getting an IV started quickly is a critical step in an emergency situation,” said Christie VeinViewer Product Manager Erin Shelton. “Many ED patients require intravenous access to receive fluids and medications. VeinViewer helps the ED clinician start a line by showing them the optimal site for peripheral vascular access. VeinViewer works regardless of the patient’s size, age, skin tone or disease state.”

The simulated emergency department is complete with patient check in, three, fully equipped trauma bays, a communications and technology center and more. Adding to the emergency department feel, organizers will run emergency codes inside innovatED during exhibit hours, and present visitors with different trauma case scenarios. The idea is to mimic the look and feel of a real emergency department while giving visitors a sneak peek at some of the ED technology of the future. “InnovatED exemplifies the innovative spirit of emergency medicine and showcases cutting edge products and services in a true-to-life model emergency department,” explained Alex Rosenau, DO, FACEP, president of the American College of Emergency Physicians.

VeinViewer uses harmless, near-infrared light and DLP® technologies to project an image of venous patterns up to 10mm deep and blood patterns up to 15mm. It is proven to increase first-stick success rates and patient satisfaction by up to 100%. VeinViewer technology was developed with the aid of the engineering ca​pabilities and resources of parent company Christie Digital Systems, a leading global visual technology firm with more than 85 years of experience in the projection system industry.

To learn more about Christie product offerings: VeinViewer Vision2, VeinViewer VisionXTND and VeinViewer Flex, please visit www.christiemed.com.

About Christie Medical Holdings, Inc.

Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is a global company based in Memphis, Tenn., that discovers, develops and commercializes medical technologies. The company’s market-leading product, VeinViewer, is a mobile vascular imaging system that allows health care providers to clearly see accessible vasculature as a real time HD image, directly on the surface of the skin. VeinViewer is manufactured in the USA. Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is owned by Christie Digital Systems Inc., a global visual technologies company and a subsidiary of Ushio Inc., Japan (JP:6925). For more information on Christie Digital Systems or Christie Medical Holdings, visit www.christiemed.com.

Christie displays vein illumination device at emergency nurses association’s annual conference

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – (October 7, 2014) – Christie Medical Holdings, a global leader in mobile vein imaging systems, will exhibit its sixth generation VeinViewer® at the Emergency Nurses Association(ENA) Annual Conference “Safe Practice Safe Care,” Oct 9-11, at booth #605 at the Indiana Convention Center. VeinViewer can be an essential device in emergency departments where time is critical.

VeinViewer uses near-infrared light, DLP® technologies, and exclusive technology such as Active Vascular Imaging Navigation (AVIN™) to create a digital image of patient vasculature in real time. For patients with Difficult Venous Access (DVA), VeinViewer is the only vein finder on the market to provide pre-, during, and post-access information throughout the entire vascular access procedure, allowing emergency staff to assess and act quickly. VeinViewer’s TrueView accuracy helps clinicians find the optimal access point and vessel target, while the device’s patented Real-time Df² imaging allows medical staff to navigate curves in vessels, confirm patent IV, react and adjust the technique to help ensure successful catheter placement. In post-assessment procedures, clinicians can assess the patency of the vessel to help avoid complications.

Overall, VeinViewer can help improve first stick success by up to 100 percent, reduce medically unnecessary PICC lines by over 30 percent, increase patient satisfaction and provide a return on investment to hospitals.

Powerful Results from St. Elizabeth Hospital

St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Kentucky revealed the results of a quality improvement study where when VeinViewer was used, a record number of medically unnecessary PICC lines were avoided, resulting in less pain for the patient, an increase in patient satisfaction and yearly savings of more than $200,000.

Proven Results

In its “Recommendations for Improving Safety Practices with Short Peripheral Catheters” position paper, the seven-member task force of infusion therapy experts from the Infusion Nurses Society recommended to “incorporate vein visualization technology as a routine strategy for patients with difficult or poor venous access. Visualization technology can improve success rates, decrease unsuccessful insertion attempts, and improve patient satisfaction.”

About Christie Medical Holdings, Inc.

Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is a global company based in Memphis, Tenn., that discovers, develops and commercializes medical technologies. The company’s market-leading product, VeinViewer, is a mobile vascular imaging system that allows health care providers to clearly see accessible vasculature as a real time HD image, directly on the surface of the skin. Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is owned by Christie Digital Systems Inc., a global visual technologies company and a subsidiary of Ushio Inc., Japan (JP:6925). For more information on Christie Digital Systems or Christie Medical Holdings, visit www.christiemed.com.

Christie CARES Program Brings Support and Hope to Families at Memphis’ Dorothy Day House of Hospitality

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – (October 1, 2014) – Memphis needs more transitional houses like the Dorothy Day House of Hospitality (DDHH) which opened its doors 10 years ago to help families get back on their feet. Today, Memphis is one of the top cities in the U.S. for homelessness, and Dorothy Day House exists to help break the cycle of poverty and create hopeful futures for families and their children. Christie Medical Holdings, today, announced that it has selected the Dorothy Day House as one of its charities of choice for its Christie CARES philanthropy program and is encouraging local businesses to support the shelter’s Annual Christmas Wreath and Garland sale through November 6.

“It’s such an incredible feeling when local businesses such as Christie and its staff pitch in to help us raise much needed funds. We are a small, non-governmental operated agency that relies on private contributions, and assistance to spread the word about the life-critical work we do here,” said Sister Maureen Griner, executive director, Dorothy Day House of Hospitality.

Erin Shelton, product manager at Christie, and Christie CARES co-chair, said, “We chose Dorothy Day House as one of our charities because of its special mission to help homeless families stay together as a whole, and it’s a neighbor.”“Through the Christie CARES program, we held a back-to-school supply drive to help families staying at Dorothy Day House with much needed school items for the children, and we hope to help with future activities.”

What makes Dorothy Day House special is that it allows the entire family – mother, father and children (male and female) – to stay together under the same roof. Other Memphis facilities traditionally only accept residents of one sex, forcing many families to separate in order to seek shelter. Sister Griner said keeping families together is very important because separating them causes additional anxiety as they rebuild their lives.

Dorothy Day was a writer and editor who became an iconic religious figure and voice for pacifism and the rights of the working poor in the 1930s and 1940s. Her conversion from one religion to another ignited a passion for social justice and she opened several homes to help the homeless in New York City. Dorothy Day House of Hospitality in Memphis opened in 2006 in her honor as a grassroots non-profit organization offering food, clothing, and safe shelter while identifying the root causes and conditions of the homelessness of the individual families. It has access to volunteer professionals and supportive agencies and together they work with each family to set goals. Once the family moves into permanent housing, the Dorothy Day House of Hospitality continues to work with them to ensure any underlying issues do not resurface to threaten their newfound independence. Families who are well on their way help mentor those who come after them as a way to ‘pay it forward.’

Apart from shelter, the Dorothy Day House staff and volunteers provide clothing, educational resources and guidance, parenting skills, employment counseling, prospective job contacts, transportation, financial and budgeting advice, and much more. The DDHH is always in need of items such as toilet paper, Kleenex, napkins, liquid laundry soap, etc., but it can also use gift cards from large local retail stores. Call the DDHH first to pre-arrange deliveries at (901) 726-6760. Holiday wreaths and garlands can be purchased through the Dorothy Day House website. The House also gladly accepts online donations.

About Christie Medical Holdings, Inc.

Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is a global company based in Memphis, Tenn., that discovers, develops and commercializes medical technologies. The company’s market-leading product, VeinViewer, is a mobile vascular imaging system that allows health care providers to clearly see accessible vasculature as a real time HD image, directly on the surface of the skin. Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is owned by Christie Digital Systems Inc., a global visual technologies company and a subsidiary of Ushio Inc., Japan (JP:6925). For more information on Christie Digital Systems or Christie Medical Holdings, visit www.christiemed.com.

Final Results of VeinViewer Utilization Study at St. Elizabeth Healthcare Show Potential Savings of More Than $238,000 in 2013

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – (September 25, 2014)– Christie Medical Holdings, Inc., a global leader in mobile vascular imaging systems, and St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Kentucky today announced the final results of a quality improvement study evaluating the use of VeinViewer® for the reduction of medically unnecessary peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in an adult, renal- compromised population. The study assessed if using VeinViewer resulted in an increased success rate of peripheral IV’s, resulting in a decrease in the number of medically unnecessary PICCs. Patients who have had PICC lines placed prior to AV fistula creation are more than 3 times as likely to experience AVF failure. By utilizing VeinViewer, the first and only full field digital HD vein imaging device on the market, close to 350 medically unnecessary PICC lines were avoided in 2013 compared to their 2012 baseline, over a 20 percent decrease. Based on an average national PICC cost of about $700, a similar reduction in PICCs would result in a potential savings of $238,000.“

In renal disease patients, it is critically important to preserve veins for the creation of arteriovenous fistulas (AVF),” said Patti Wilcox, RN, VA BC, and team lead of St. Elizabeth’s 2013 Vein Preservation Campaign. Wilcox added, “The PICC reduction results are truly a product ofquality improvement efforts undertaken by a team of expert IV nurses at St. Elizabeth’s and using the leading vein viewing technology.”

Preliminary results were presented to healthcare professionals in November 2013 at the Kentucky Organization for Nurse Leaders Conference with the final results announced at the Association for Vascular Access annual scientific meeting on September 9, 2014.

“We are very pleased that our VeinViewer technology contributed in so many significant ways at St. Elizabeth, including improvements in the healthcare delivery process; a decrease in unnecessary PICC line placements; an increase in vein preservation; and significant cost savings for the hospital,” said Chris Schnee, general manager and vice president of Sales and Marketing at Christie Medical Holdings, Inc.

Results like those achieved by St. Elizabeth Healthcare continue to validate the effectiveness of VeinViewer in reducing medically unnecessary PICC lines, their mounting costs and potential risk of infection, while offering a return on investment.

VeinViewer is the only vein illumination device on the market that provides pre-, during-, and post-access benefits throughout the entire vascular access procedure and has been shown through clinical studies to increase both first stick success and patient satisfaction up to 100 percent.

VeinViewer technology was developed with the aid of the engineering capabilities and resources of parent company Christie Digital Systems, a leading global visual technology firm with more than 80 years of experience in the projection systems industry. VeinViewer uses harmless near-infrared light, DLP® technologies, and exclusive Active Vascular Imaging Navigation (AVIN™) to provide the demanded Pre, During and Post-access (PDP) benefits. VeinViewer provides TrueView imaging accuracy in projected vein-widths, which is three to ten times more accurate than the competition, and technologies such as Df2 (Digital full field) to illuminate the only available real-time HD digital image of subcutaneous vasculature and blood patterns directly onto the skin surface. Although designed for assistance in IV starts and blood draws, VeinViewer has proven beneficial in spider and varicose vein treatment.

St. Elizabeth HealthcareSt. Elizabeth Healthcare operates six facilities throughout Northern Kentucky — Edgewood, Florence, Ft. Thomas, Covington, Grant and Falmouth. It also has vast resources to serve the Greater Cincinnati area, including almost 1,200 licensed beds, a physician organization which includes more than 86 primary care and specialty office locations, more than 1,200 physicians with admitting privileges, more than 7,400 associates including St. Elizabeth Physicians, more than 1,200 volunteers, three freestanding imaging centers and two outpatient ambulatory surgery centers. St. Elizabeth Healthcare is sponsored by the Diocese of Covington and provided more than $93 million in uncompensated care and benefit to the community in 2011. For more information, visit www.stelizabeth.com.

About Christie Medical Holdings, Inc.Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is a global company based in Memphis, Tenn., that discovers, develops and commercializes medical technologies. The company’s market-leading product, VeinViewer, is a mobile vascular imaging system that allows health care providers to clearly see accessible vasculature as a real time HD image, directly on the surface of the skin. Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is owned by Christie Digital Systems Inc., a global visual technologies company and a subsidiary of Ushio Inc., Japan (JP:6925). For more information on Christie Digital Systems or Christie Medical Holdings,visit www.christiemed.com.

Christie VeinViewer Vascular Imaging Solution Used In 75 Percent Of Best Ranked Hospitals By US News And World Report

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – (September 5​, 2014) – U.S. News and World Report announced its 2014-2015 Best Hospital Rankings for facilities with high ranking scores in 16 adult and 10 pediatric specialty areas. Of the 28 hospitals that received Honor Roll status, 21 use Christie’s vein finder technology, VeinViewer® for peripheral IV procedures Pre-, During and Post vascular access.

“We are proud that VeinViewer is the vascular imaging device of choice by the top ranking hospitals in the country,” said Chris Schnee, general manager and vice president of Sales and Marketing at Christie Medical Holdings, Inc. “ VeinViewer technology, now six generations strong with the recent launch of VeinViewer Vision2, is backed by six peer reviewed papers and Christie’s five year commitment, Christie Assure. Medical Centers have placed their trust in our technology and the company standing behind it to help provide revolutionary patient care.”

VeinViewer is the first and only device on the market to use: harmless near-infrared light, DLP® technologies, exclusive technology such as Active Vascular Imaging Navigation (AVIN™) which has been shown by clinical studies to increase both first stick success and patient satisfaction up to 100 percent while reducing medically unnecessary PICC lines by over 30 percent. VeinViewer’s TrueView imaging accuracy in projected vein-widths is three to ten times more accurate than the competition. With its Df2 (Digital full field) projection VeinViewer is able to provide a real-time, HD image of vasculature directly onto the surface of the skin.

bout Christie Medical Holdings, Inc.

Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is a global company based in Memphis, Tenn., that discovers, develops and commercializes medical technologies. The company’s market-leading product, VeinViewer, is a mobile vascular imaging system that allows health care providers to clearly see accessible vasculature as a real time HD image, directly on the surface of the skin. Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is owned by Christie Digital Systems Inc., a global visual technologies company and a subsidiary of Ushio Inc., Japan (JP:6925). For more information on Christie Digital Systems or Christie Medical Holdings, visit www.christiemed.com.

Christie FreshStart Program Helps Hospital Replace Current Vascular Imaging Devices With Hospital-Wide VeinViewer Solution

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - (August 12, 2014) - Christie Medical Holdings, Inc., a global leader in mobile vascular imaging systems, and Wolfson Children's Hospital, today announced an agreement to replace all current peripheral vascular access visualization devices at the hospital with 17 VeinViewers through Christie's FreshStart program. The hospital was using the latest version of a hand-held, red laser-based competitive illumination device, but switched to Christie's VeinViewer. Only VeinViewer can provide pre-, during and post-access benefits throughout the entire vascular access procedure and has been shown through clinical studies to increase both first stick success and patient satisfaction up to 100 percent while reducing medically unnecessary PICC lines by over 30 percent.

"It is extremely important to the administration of Wolfson Children's Hospital to provide the nursing staff with the best tools for performing IV starts on children," said Veronica Scott- Fulton, vice president, operations and patient care services, Wolfson Children's Hospital. "We believe that the technology and support provided by Christie Medical are the best available and will result in fewer sticks and improved patient and family satisfaction. We are pleased to partner with Christie Medical to make Wolfson Children's a Vascular Access Center of Excellence."

Holly Hess of Wolfson Children's Hospital added, "In my experience as a pediatric vascular access clinician, I have the opportunity to use various types of vein visualization devices. I find the Christie VeinViewer products to have a clearly superior, crisp image that shows peripheral vasculature in a way that enhances the practitioner's ability to find and access veins."

"Our FreshStart Program provides a significant financial benefit to all medical facilities who want to replace their unsatisfactory vein illumination devices with the VeinViewer solution. The proven results of our technology backed by our revolutionary Christie Assure Program, provides a solution that is trusted to deliver results year after year," said Chris Schnee, general manager and vice president of Sales and Marketing at Christie Medical Holdings, Inc.

The Christie Assure program is a comprehensive set of services including a five-year utilization training program, five-year warranty, five-year clinical education provision for hospital medical staff and five-year upgrade program to the latest product platforms from Christie. An industry-first, the Christie Assure Program represents a significant leadership investment in seeing the end customer achieve utilization and results through Christie technologies. "In today's healthcare market there is no room for neat technology that does not deliver results," added Schnee. "Today's hospitals demand technology that is proven to work and is supported by a company trusted to be there for the long-term. We are pleased that Wolfson Children's Hospital has placed trust in our products, technology and service by replacing their current devices with Christie's VeinViewer portfolio of products."

VeinViewer Technology Backed by Christie's Long History of Technical Achievements.

VeinViewer technology was developed with the aid of the engineering capabilities and resources of parent company Christie Digital Systems, a leading global visual technology firm with more than 80 years of experience in the projection systems industry. VeinViewer is the first and only device on the market to use: harmless near-infrared light, DLP® technologies, exclusive technology such as Active Vascular Imaging Navigation (AVIN™) providing the demanded Pre, During and Post-access (PDP) benefits, TrueView imaging accuracy in projected vein-widths which is three to ten times more accurate than competition, and technologies such as Df2 (Digital full field) to illuminate the only real-time HD digital image of subcutaneous vasculature and blood patterns directly onto the skin surface . Although designed for assistance in IV starts and blood draws, VeinViewer has proven beneficial in spider and varicose vein treatment.

About Wolfson Children's Hospital

Wolfson Children's Hospital in Jacksonville, Florida, serves as our region's pediatric referral center and only hospital just for kids. The 213-bed, patient- and family-centered hospital features an environment filled with bright colors, warm smiles and the latest children's medical technology. At Wolfson Children's, nationally recognized pediatric specialists representing nearly every medical and surgical specialty work with pediatricians to provide care for children of all ages with congenital heart conditions, cancer, neurological disorders, orthopaedic conditions, behavioral health disorders, and more. The hospital is staffed by pediatric nurses and other healthcare professionals specially trained to work with children. Wolfson Children's pediatric partners include Nemours Children's Clinic, the University of Florida Jacksonville, and Mayo Clinic Florida. For additional information, please visit wolfsonchildrens.org.

About Christie Medical Holdings, Inc.

Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is a global company based in Memphis, Tenn., that discovers, develops and commercializes medical technologies. The company's market-leading product, VeinViewer, is a mobile vascular imaging system that allows health care providers to clearly see accessible vasculature as a real time HD image, directly on the surface of the skin. Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is owned by Christie Digital Systems Inc., a global visual technologies company and a subsidiary of Ushio Inc., Japan (JP:6925). For more information on Christie Digital Systems or Christie Medical Holdings, visit www.christiemed.com.

Christie Medical Holdings Unveils Sixth Generation VeinViewer Vision2

EMPHIS, Tenn. – (April 28, 2014) – Christie® Medical Holdings, Inc., the inventor and global leader of direct projection vascular imaging systems, today unveiled VeinViewer® Vision2. VeinViewer is the first and only vein illumination medical device that uses harmless near-infrared light, DLP®, and other technologies to illuminate an exclusive real-time HD digital image of subcutaneous vasculature and blood patterns directly onto the skin surface.

“VeinViewer Vision2 is about listening to the hardest working person in the hospital, the floor nurse, and making the best even better,” said Chris Schnee, general manager and vice president of sales and marketing for Christie. “They asked for head-to-toe imaging without needing to reposition the device. They asked for multiple color combinations to put them in control. We delivered. Their skills, our technology, better results when used together.”

About Christie Medical Holdings, Inc.

• Exclusive HD, digital full field (Df2) image using LED illumination
• New ASSESS^™ Plus Imaging Suite comes standard with seven modes designed for ultimate image customization, including three new modes: TriColor which gives multiple color combinations for an image tailored to the patient’s skin tone and the clinician’s need, Image Capture collects static images of blood patterns for electronic medical record documentation and MaxBright providing the brightest image in the industry, necessary to adjust to varying lighting conditions
• MaxReach offers an 83 percent longer reach for easy head-to-toe assessment of a standard patient bed without having to reposition the device
• Christie Assure Program*, a revolutionary, industry-leading five-year customer commitment including utilization training, clinical education, warranty and upgrade path. Manufactured in the USA.

Infusion Nurses Society Cites Christie Evidence; Recommends the Use of Infrared Light Technology to Help Improve Safety Practices with Short Peripheral Cathethers

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – (April 9, 2014) – The Infusion Nurses Society (INS) this month, released a pivotal position paper “Recommendations for Improving Safety Practices With Short Peripheral Catheters” which covers a nine-point statement of position to promote and ensure safe practices in short peripheral catheter (SPC) placement for the Health Care Practitioner (HPC) and the patient. Published in the Journal of Infusion Nursing, the paper recognizes a lack of standardization and knowledge in SPC practices as a key factor contributing to patient safety risks and outcomes. One of the recommendations made by the seven-member task force of infusion therapy experts was to “incorporate vein visualization technology as a routine strategy for patients with difficult or poor venous access. Visualization technology can improve success rates, decrease unsuccessful insertion attempts, and improve patient satisfaction” as stated in the report.

All three of the supporting evidence papers cited in the panel’s research regarding the recommendation of infrared vein visualization were studies done using VeinViewer® by Christie Medical Holdings, Inc., the inventor and global leader in direct projection vein imaging systems.

“The position paper citing Christie® clinical evidence truly validates using infrared light technologies for PIV vascular access,” said Chris Schnee, general manager and vice president of sales and marketing, at Christie. “The VeinViewer platform of devices as a hospital-wide solution has been clinically proven to substantially increase patient satisfaction scores and reduce both unneeded PIV and PICC attempts. The new healthcare landscape is riddled with uncertainty. Implementing technologies like VeinViewer that positively impact patient care does not have to be.”

Schnee added, “The INS recommendation emphasizes the importance of understanding preinsertion, insertion and post insertion practices for improving safety. This aligns directly with the Pre-, During- and Post-access (PDP) benefits VeinViewer provides.” The INS group also calls for the creation of SPC surveillance programs and audits to sustain improvement in process and performance, efforts which can also be facilitated by VeinViewer’s PDP capabilities.

VeinViewer technology is the only vein illumination device that provides Pre-, During-, and Post-access benefits throughout the entire vascular access procedure. The INS team reports that adverse events from SPC, such as an infiltration, are most likely to occur as a result of inadequate assessment or “failure to frequently assess, monitor, or maintain the SPC site.” With VeinViewer the clinician can confirm the refill rate of vessels, assess patency of an IV, detect hematomas as they form and potentially avoid infiltrations. VeinViewer has also been shown through clinical studies to increase both first stick success and patient satisfaction up to 100 percent and reduce medically unnecessary PICC lines by greater than 30 percent.

About Christie Medical Holdings, Inc.​​​​

Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is a global company based in Memphis, Tennessee, that discovers, develops and commercializes medical technologies. The company’s market-leading product, VeinViewer, is a mobile vascular imaging system that allows health care providers to clearly see accessible vasculature as a real time HD image directly on the surface of the skin. Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is owned by Christie Digital Systems Inc., a global visual technologies company and a subsidiary of Ushio Inc., Japan (JP:6925). For more information on Christie Digital Systems or Christie Medical Holdings, visit www.christiemed.com.

Christie Medical Holdings Earns New Innovative Technology Designation from Novation for VeinViewer

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – (January 23, 2014) – Christie® Medical Holdings, Inc.​, a global leader in mobile vascular imaging systems, today announced that the company’s near-infrared VeinViewer®​ product, the first and only full field digital, HD imaging vein illumination device on the market, was awarded a new innovative technology designation from Novation, the leading health care supply chain expertise, analytics and contracting company for the more than 100,000 members, affiliates of national health care alliances VHA Inc. and UHC, as well as Children’s Hospital Association, and Provista.

The significant designation is only provided to a small number of products that are already available on contract through Novation. As part of the October 2013 Novation Innovative Technology Expo, the products were thoroughly evaluated and reviewed by hospital member-led councils and found to have an incremental benefit over other products that improve patient care or reduce the risk of harm to patients and caregivers. The products are now designated with a new Innovative Technology icon in the Novation online contract catalog making them easy to identify.

“We are pleased to be awarded the annual Innovative Technology Novation designation which further validates VeinViewer’s technology capabilities and substantial clinical benefit as a leading peripheral IV solution used in the care of patients,” said Chris Schnee, general manager and vice president of sales and marketing, at Christie. “Our goal is to deliver real-world results like significant cost and risk reduction through better IV first stick success and reduction of medically unneeded PICC lines. We also strive to help boost the much needed patient satisfaction scores tied to reimbursement.”

“In addition to evaluating new technologies not on contract, we are pleased to recognize products already on contract that meet the strenuous hospital member-based requirements to be considered through the Innovative Technology program,” said Debbie Archer, director, procurement and innovative technology, Novation.

VeinViewer technology contributes to improved healthcare delivery process at institutions and has decreased unnecessary PICC line placements resulting in significant cost savings and vein preservation. It is the only vein illumination device that provides Pre-, During-, and Post-access benefits throughout the entire vascular access procedure, allowing confirmation of the refill of vessels, detection of hematomas and potential avoidance of infiltrations, and has been shown through clinical studies to increase both first stick success and patient satisfaction up to 100 percent.

VeinViewer technology was developed with the aid of the engineering capabilities and resources of parent company Christie Digital Systems, a leading global visual technology firm with more than 80 years of experience in the projection systems industry. VeinViewer uses harmless near-infrared light, DLP® technologies, and exclusive Active Vascular Imaging Navigation (AVIN™) to provide the demanded Pre, During and Post-access (PDP) benefits. VeinViewer provides TrueView imaging accuracy in projected vein-widths, which is three to ten times more accurate than the competition, and technologies such as Df2 (Digital full field) to illuminate the only available real-time HD digital image of subcutaneous vasculature and blood patterns directly onto the skin surface. Although designed for assistance in IV starts and blood draws, VeinViewer has proven beneficial in spider and varicose vein treatment.

About Novation, Winner of the Ethics Inside® Certification​​​

Founded in 1998, Novation is the leading health care supply chain expertise, analytics and contracting company for the more than 100,000 members and affiliates of VHA Inc. and UHC, two national health care alliances, Children’s Hospital Association, an alliance of the nation’s leading pediatric facilities, and Provista, LLC. Novation provides alliance members with sourcing services, as well as information and data services. Based in Irving, Texas, Novation develops and manages competitive contracts with more than 600 suppliers. VHA, UHC, and Provista members used Novation contracts to purchase approximately $43 billion in 2012. Novation has earned the coveted Ethics Inside® Certification from Ethisphere Institute, a leading international think tank dedicated to the research and promotion of best practices in corporate ethics and compliance. Novation also was named on Ethisphere’s World’s Most Ethical Companies list, and is the only company in the health care industry to earn both distinctions for two consecutive years. To learn more about Novation, please visit www.novationco.com and follow @NovationNews..

About Christie Medical​ Holdings, Inc.​​​​​

Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is a global company based in Memphis, Tennessee, that discovers, develops and commercializes medical technologies. The company’s market-leading product, VeinViewer, is a mobile vascular imaging system that allows health care providers to clearly see accessible vasculature as a real time HD image directly on the surface of the skin. Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is owned by Christie Digital Systems Inc., a global visual technologies company and a subsidiary of Ushio Inc., Japan (JP:6925). For more information on Christie Digital Systems or Christie Medical Holdings, visit www.christiemed.com.

Latest VeinViewer Utilization Study at Northern Kentucky’s St. Elizabeth Healthcare Results in Potential Savings of More Than $180,000 in Nine Months

MEMPHIS, Tenn. –(Nov. 21, 2013) – Christie Medical Holdings, Inc. , a global leader in mobile vascular imaging systems, and St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Kentucky today announced the interim results of a quality improvement study evaluating the use of VeinViewer® for the reduction of medically unnecessary peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in an adult, renal- compromised population. The study assessed if using VeinViewer resulted in an increased success rate of peripheral IV’s, resulting in a decrease in the number of medically unnecessary PICCs. In renal disease patients, it is critically important to preserve veins for the creation of arteriovenous fistulas(AVF). Patients who have had PICC line placed prior to AV fistula creation are more than 3 times as likely to experience AVF failure. By utilizing VeinViewer, the first and only full field digital HD imaging device on the market to use harmless near-Infrared light LED projection, 261 medically unnecessary PICC lines were avoided in nine months compared to their 2012 baseline. Based on an average national PICC cost of about $700, a similar reduction in PICCs would result in a potential savings of more than $180,000.

The PICC reduction results area product of quality improvement efforts undertaken by a team of expert IV nurses led by Patti Wilcox, RN, VA BC, of St. Elizabeth’s and presented to healthcare professionals at the Kentucky Organization for Nurse Leaders Conference November 7-8, 2013. “We were very pleased with the outcome of the hospital’s “Vein Preservation” campaign,” said Wilcox. “VeinViewer technology not only contributed to improved healthcare delivery process at our institution, but it also decreased unnecessary PICC line placements, resulted in significant costsavings and vein preservation, which were the campaign goals.”

“Results like those achieved by St. Elizabeth Healthcare continue to validate the effectiveness of VeinViewer in reducing medically unnecessary PICC lines and their mounting costs and potential risk of infection, while offering a true return on investment which is critically important under the Hospital Value-Based Purchasing Program of the Affordable Care Act, by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS),” said Dawn Norman, director of regulatory, quality and clinical affairs at Christie.

VeinViewer is the only vein illumination device on the market that provides pre-, during-,and post-access benefits throughout the entire vascular access procedure and has been shown through clinical studies to increase both first stick success and patient satisfaction up to 100 2of 3 © 2013 Christie Medical Holdings, Inc. 010 - 200296 - 01 Rev.1 (11 - 2013) percent. Most recently, Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City, announced similar positive resu lts with a greater than 30 percent reduction in medically unnecessary PICCs in their NICU.

VeinViewer technology was developed with the aid of the engineering capabilities and resources of parent company Christie Digital Systems, a leading global visual technology firm with more than 80 years of experience in the projection systems industry. VeinViewer uses harmless near - infrared light, DLP® technologies, and exclusive Active Vascular Imaging Navigation (AVIN™) to provide the demanded Pre, During and Post - access (PDP) benefits. VeinViewer provides TrueView imaging accuracy in projected vein - widths , which is three to ten times more accurate than the competition, and technologies such as Df2 (Digital full field) to illuminate the only available real - time HD digital image of subcutaneous vasculature and blood patterns directly onto the skin surface. Although designed for assistance in IV starts and blood draws, VeinViewer has proven beneficial in spider and varicose vein treatment.

St. Elizabeth Healthcare ​​​

St. Elizabeth Healthcare operates six facilities throughout Northern Kentucky — Edgewood, Florence, Ft. Thomas, Covington, Grant and Falmouth. It also has vast resources to serve the Greater Cincinnati area, including almost 1,200 licensed beds, a physicia n organization which includes more than 86 primary care and specialty office locations, more than 1,200 physicians with admitting privileges, more than 7,400 associates including St. Elizabeth Physicians, more than 1,200 volunteers, three freestanding imag ing centers and two outpatient ambulatory surgery centers. St. Elizabeth Healthcare is sponsored by the Diocese of Covington and provided more than $93 million in uncompensated care and benefit to the community in 2011. For more information, visit www.stelizabeth.com.

About Christie Medical Holdings, Inc.

that discovers, develops and commercializes medical technologies. The company’s m arket - leading product, VeinViewer, is a mobile vascular imaging system that allows health care providers to clearly see accessible vasculature as a real time HD image directly on the surface of the skin. Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is owned by Christie Digital Systems Inc., a global visual technologies company and a subsidiary of Ushio Inc., Japan (JP:6925). For more information on Christie Digital Systems or Christie Medical Holdings, visit www.christiemed.com.

Interim VeinViewer Study at Mercy Hospital Shows Greater Than 30 Percent Reduction in Medically Unnecessary PICC Placements in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – (Oct. 16, 2013) – Christie Medical Holdings, Inc., a global leader in mobile vascular imaging systems, and Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City today announced the completion of a 210-patient prospective clinical study in the health center’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). The study evaluates whether using VeinViewer® impacts the rates of medically unnecessary PICC placements and the number of attempts to insert peripheral intravenous (PIV) catheters.

“Even with a new facility, increased patient census, more nurses and formal training on manual placement of IVs, the NICU department prior to the study faced high rates of IV attempts per patient and a high level of medically unnecessary PICCs. We wanted to improve our rates to deliver better patient care and implementing VeinViewer is one way we are doing this,” said Michele McEver, NICU nurse manager at Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City.

Prior to the study, Mercy Hospital Oklahoma City’s NICU department documented a baseline of non-VeinViewer vascular access experiences and estimated the average to be 5.2 IV sticks per child with some children having double-digit attempts. The baseline rate of medically unnecessary PICCs was one for every 13 patients (1:13). An analysis of data from the first 100 patients showed the number of IV sticks per child dropped from 5.2 to 3.1 with the use of VeinViewer. Similarly, the ratio of medically unnecessary PICCs decreased from 1:13 to 1:25, a 48% reduction. The data from this interim analysis was presented in San Antonio, Texas at the Association for Vascular Access (AVA) meeting in October 2012.

“We were pleased with the interim results that saw a significant decrease in both medically unnecessary PICC lines and peripheral IVs,” said Dawn Norman, director of regulatory, quality and clinical affairs for Christie. “Not only does VeinViewer make it much easier to find the extremely difficult veins in babies, but relieves them from some discomfort and pain, which is very important to us. We look forward to the release of the final results.”

There is a great potential for return on investment with the average cost per PICC line, including materials and cost to place it, of about $700,” noted Chris Schnee, general manager and vice president of sales and marketing at Christie. “This interim analysis demonstrates VeinViewer’s ability to decrease unnecessary PICCs by at least 30 percent and is the only platform of products on the market that has proven this critical result. With the CMS ruling that secondary, nosocomial catheter related blood stream infections (CLBSI) are non reimbursable, the simplest method to reduce the potential risk and compounded cost of such events is to directly reduce the number of medically unneeded PICCs lines. Only VeinViewer can provide pre-, during and post-access benefits throughout the entire vascular access procedure and has been shown through clinical studies to increase both first stick success and patient satisfaction up to 100%.

VeinViewer Technology Backed by Christie’s Long History of Technical Achievements​​​

VeinViewer technology was developed with the aid of the engineering capabilities and resources of parent company Christie Digital Systems, a leading global visual technology firm with more than 80 years of experience in the projection systems industry. VeinViewer is the first and only device on the market to use: harmless near-infrared light, DLP® technologies, exclusive technology such as Active Vascular Imaging Navigation (AVIN™) providing the demanded Pre, During and Post-access (PDP) benefits, TrueView imaging accuracy in projected vein-widths which is three to ten times more accurate than competition, and technologies such as Df2 (Digital full field) to illuminate the only real-time HD digital image of subcutaneous vasculature and blood patterns directly onto the skin surface . Although designed for assistance in IV starts and blood draws, VeinViewer has proven beneficial in spider and varicose vein treatment.

About Mercy

Mercy is the sixth largest Catholic health care system in the U.S. and serves more than 3 million people annually. Mercy includes 32 hospitals, 300 outpatient facilities, 39,000 co-workers and more than 2,000 integrated physicians in Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri and Oklahoma. Mercy also has outreach ministries in Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.

About Christie Medical Holdings, Inc.

Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is a global company based in Memphis, Tenn., that discovers, develops and commercializes medical technologies. The company’s market-leading product, VeinViewer, is a mobile vascular imaging system that allows health care providers to clearly see accessible vasculature as a real time HD image, directly on the surface of the skin. Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is owned by Christie Digital Systems Inc., a global visual technologies company and a subsidiary of Ushio Inc., Japan (JP:6925). For more information on Christie Digital Systems or Christie Medical Holdings, visit www. christiedigital.com.

Christie Assure Program Expands to More Than 40 Countries Revolutionizing VeinViewer Training for Hospitals and Physician Offices

​MEMPHIS, Tenn. – (AUGUST 26, 2013) – Christie Medical Holdings, Inc., today announced the expansion of its industry-leading program to more than 40 countries. The Christie Assure Program will be offered to acute hospitals and physician offices that use the HD VeinViewer® vein illumination products designed to project vascular imaging on the surface of the skin.

The Christie Assure Program is a five-year comprehensive set of services which include warranty, access to online clinical education and an upgrade program to the latest Christie product platforms. An industry-first, the Christie Assure Program represents a significant leadership investment in seeing the end customer achieve utilization and results through Christie technologies.​

Chris Schnee, general manager and vice president of sales and marketing at Christie Medical Holdings, said, “We launched VeinViewer GS (global standard) internationally in 2008. Today we have three leading products, the 3rd, 4th and 5th generation VeinViewers, being sold around the world. Through our technology leadership, and unmatched support and education for hospital staff and physician offices we aim to help VeinViewer users achieve an increase in patient satisfaction, potential reduction in patient risk and infection, and maximize health care economic benefits at their hospitals and offices.”

The Christie Assure Program was built upon the results of a thorough Voice of Customer survey that addressed customer priorities. Customers told Christie they wanted the company to help them achieve the same results demonstrated in multiple clinical studies, which have proven the benefits of VeinViewer technology. Results show up to a 100 percent increase in first stick success rates, up to a 100 percent increase in patient satisfaction ratings and a 50 percent decrease in medically unnecessary PICC lines. The goal is to maximize the positive return each facility receives from its investment and to improve patient care.

Customers also wanted to have the confidence that the company standing behind the technology is committed for the long term. Schnee continued: “Through Christie Assure, we achieve one of the highest levels of customer support; higher than any I have seen in my career.”

Customers should review the Christie Assure Program in detail for relevant terms that apply.

Recently, the company’s three clinical studies encompassing 3,000 data points, compared VeinViewer’s measurements to that of ultrasound, the industry gold standard. The studies, vetted and approved by Institutional Review Board (IRB) Services, demonstrated that VeinViewer measured accurate within half a millimeter on average, and for veins most commonly accessed for a peripheral IV (3mm-7mm wide), it projected near perfect vein widths (+/- 0.06mm).

VeinViewer Validated in Ten Published Clinical Peer Reviews

VeinViewer has undergone ten stringent peer reviews since 2006, nine published within the last two-and-a-half years. Third-party medical peer reviews demonstrate the statistically significant clinical effectiveness of VeinViewer, and often also include an evaluation of its potential savings, demonstrating not only clinical benefits, but positive impact to the bottom line.

VeinViewer Technology Backed by Christie’s Long History of Technical Achievements

VeinViewer technology was developed with the aid of the engineering capabilities and resources of parent company Christie Digital Systems, a leading global visual technology firm with more than 80 years of experience in the projection systems industry. VeinViewer is the first and only device on the market to use: harmless near-infrared light, DLP® technologies, exclusive technology such as Active Vascular Imaging Navigation (AVIN™) providing the demanded Pre, During and Post-access (PDP) benefits, TrueView imaging accuracy in projected vein-widths which is three to ten times more accurate than competition, and technologies such as Df2 (Digital full field) to illuminate the only real-time HD digital image of subcutaneous vasculature and blood patterns directly onto the skin surface . Although designed for assistance in IV starts and blood draws, VeinViewer has proven beneficial in spider and varicose vein treatment.

About Christie Medical Holdings, Inc.

Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is a global company based in Memphis, Tenn., that discovers, develops and commercializes medical technologies. The company’s market-leading product, VeinViewer, is a mobile vascular imaging system that allows health care providers to clearly see accessible vasculature as a real time HD image, directly on the surface of the skin. Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is owned by Christie Digital Systems Inc., a global visual technologies company and a subsidiary of Ushio Inc., Japan (JP:6925). For more information on Christie Digital Systems or Christie Medical Holdings, visit www.christiedigital.com

New Christie Assure Program Revolutionizes VeinViewer Utilization Services at Hospitals Across America

MEMPHIS, Tenn. – (July 16, 2013) – Christie® Medical Holdings, Inc. today launched a nationwide, industry-leading program for U.S. acute hospitals that use the HD VeinViewer® vein illumination products designed to project vascular imaging on the surface of the skin. Making up the Christie Assure program is a comprehensive set of services including a five-year utilization training program, five-year warranty, five-year clinical education provision for hospital medical staff and five-year upgrade program to the latest product platforms from Christie. An industry-first, the Christie Assure Program represents a significant leadership investment in seeing the end customer achieve utilization and results through Christie technologies.

Chris Schnee, general manager and vice president of sales and marketing at Christie Medical Holdings, said, "Our extensive multi-year Assure Program is a first in the vascular imaging device industry. Each element of this new program not only demonstrates Christie's confidence and leadership in the technology itself, but unmatched support and training for hospital staff who use VeinViewer, striving to help them achieve an increase in patient satisfaction scores, potential reduction in patient risk and infection, and maximized health care economic benefits at their hospitals."

The Christie Assure program was built by executing a thorough Voice of Customer survey and addressing customer priorities. Customers told Christie they wanted the company to help them achieve the same results proven in multiple clinical studies. They also wanted to have the confidence that the company standing behind the technology is committed for the long term. Schnee continued: "Through Christie Assure, we achieve customer support at a higher level than I have seen anywhere previously in my career."

The Christie Assure Program
5 Year Utilization Training Beyond "Button Pushing" After Delivery of Device

Hands-on Utilization Training is taught by Clinical Applications Consultants (CACs), nurses skilled in venipuncture procedures, IV policy, procedure development and hospital-wide device implementation. The program offers in-depth training to hospital staff to bolster the VeinViewer integration; using the skills nurses already possess to achieve measurable results.

Clinical studies have proven the benefits of VeinViewer technology with results showing up to a 100 percent increase in first stick success rates, up to a 100 percent increase in patient satisfaction ratings and a 50 percent decrease in medically unnecessary PICC lines. The goal is to maximize the positive return each facility receives from its investment and to improve patient care.

5-Year Clinical Education Surpasses Typical "In-Service" Support

The five-year clinical education component offered under the Christie Assure Program includes VeinViewer implementation that surpasses the "in-service" support that typically accompanies the sale of products. The Clinical Education program offers both product education and implementation managed and delivered by a CAC. The program teaches advanced concepts of using VeinViewer, proper techniques for visualization, critical thinking skills and scenarios – all to help improve overall vascular access and protocol adoption. Clinical assessment of the IV site is key and VeinViewer is the only device of its kind to provide Pre, During and Post-access (PDP) vascular visualization benefits, elevating it from a simple vein finder to providing exclusive HD imaging quality benefits. Training beyond the initial needlestick and even beyond the first IV placement is critical to full utilization and benefiting patient care and patient care economics. Through this program, VeinViewer users stay current on the latest innovations in medical devices, such as near-infrared technologies in peripheral vascular access, and guidance from key industry bodies that set national standards.

5-Year Warranty and Upgrade Path Eliminates Ongoing Total Cost of Ownership concerns

Christie's Assure Program includes a full five-year parts and labor warranty program for all VeinViewers purchased starting June 2013, and includes a five-year technology upgrade path for existing customers who wish to upgrade their current technology or trade-in other manufacturers' technology through the popular FreshStart program. "Removing the concern of mounting costs in future years, the need to buy service agreements and worries over providing customer loyalty pathways to future technologies were key customer requests," added Chris Schnee.

VeinViewer technology backed by Christie's long history of technical achievements

VeinViewer technology was developed with aid of the engineering capabilities and resources of parent company Christie Digital Systems, a leading global visual technology firm with more than 80 years of experience in the projection systems industry. VeinViewer is the first and only device on the market to use: harmless near-infrared light, DLP® technologies, exclusive technology such as Active Vascular Imaging Navigation (AVIN™) providing the demanded Pre, During and Post-access (PDP) benefits, TrueView imaging accuracy in projected vein-widths which is three to ten times more accurate than competition, and technologies such as DF2 (Digital Full Field) to illuminate the only real-time HD digital image of subcutaneous vasculature and blood patterns directly onto the skin surface . Although designed for assistance in IV starts and blood draws, VeinViewer has proven beneficial in spider and varicose vein treatment.

About Christie Medical Holdings, Inc.

Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is a global company based in Memphis, Tenn., that discovers, develops and commercializes medical technologies. The company's market-leading product, VeinViewer, is a mobile vascular imaging system that allows health care providers to clearly see accessible vasculature as a real time HD image, directly on the surface of the skin. Christie Medical Holdings Inc. is owned by Christie Digital Systems Inc., a global visual technologies company and a subsidiary of Ushio Inc., Japan (JP:6925). For more information on Christie Digital Systems or Christie Medical Holdings, visit www.christiedigital.com.