Medela Makes A Positive Impression
“A large part of our final decision was based not only on product, but on the manufacturer and service offered.”
—Jane, WOC Nurse
Early in the investigation process, Medela was a strong contender because of its customer service and useful clinical resources. “A large part of our final decision was based not only on product, but on the manufacturer and service offered,” said Jane. “While we were trialing the Medela wound vac machine, the company’s support staff was on-site to train nurses, troubleshoot issues, and educate patients, as needed. It made the entire process more positive and manageable.”
Several weeks into the trial period, patients outfitted with the Invia Liberty – as well as the practitioners attending them – began reporting positive experiences, both anecdotally and via the questionnaire used to qualify new devices. The device’s comfortable, quiet profile alleviated frustrations incurred by the facility’s legacy portable negative pressure wound therapy devices, and the Medela team’s ongoing support answered operational questions and made effective utilization significantly easier.
“Several of our patients came into the facility with older pumps, and quite frankly, they liked the Medela pumps better,” said Jane. “The Liberty wound vac machine is lightweight and highly mobile, making it more comfortable to travel with. There are also relatively few notification noises, making it less of a distraction than other solutions. In general, the pump is very quiet as it operates. This was a crucial factor in our decision, as loud pumps disrupt sleep and act as stressors. Having a low-profile, quiet option was a key priority.”
Other product attributes that helped Jane land on the Liberty include completely interchangeable NPWT device components, secure quick-connector tubing with an audible “click,” fast, one-button canister removal, the device’s user-friendly interface, and intuitive design.