Velano Vascular (San Francisco, California) recently announced the addition of Dennis J. Ernst MT(ASCP) NCPT(NCCT) to its advisory panel. 

According to a recent press release, the vascular access technology innovator "continues to aggressively expand in pursuit of its mission to dramatically remake blood collection as a more efficient, effective and safer standard of patient-centered care." Among Velano’s products is the award-winning PIVO™ needle-free blood collection device, designed to reduce the frequency of venipunctures and their associated risks, as well as the potential for hemolysis when drawing from vascular access devices.

Ernst, who serves as the director of the Center for Phlebotomy Education, was appointed along with  Kim Henrichsen, former Intermountain Healthcare Senior Vice President of Clinical Operations and Chief Nursing Executive.
     “Kim and Dennis are true industry experts and pioneers whose insights and guidance will be invaluable as our team brings PIVO to hospitals around the world,” said Velano Vascular Chief Executive Eric M. Stone. 

PIVO was developed by Velano Vascular's Chief Medical Officer & Co-Founder, Pitou Devgon, MD who sought to expand the use of peripheral IV lines for frequent, high quality blood draws. Together with Stone, they founded the company to deliver virtually painless, compassionate care for hospital inpatients, a safer practice for caregivers, and a more financially responsible alternative for health systems. Earlier this year, the MedTech Breakthrough Awards named Velano’s PIVO™ the "Best Overall Medical Device Solution."

"We're thrilled to have Dennis join the Velano team as a member of our Advisory Board," says Dr. Devgon. "There is an urgent need to address the growing challenge of vascular access in medicine today. His unique clinical insights and experience as both an industry expert and educator will further enable our mission to create a new, more humane and effective standard in blood collection.”