Arrow International Inc - Company History

> About Arrow > Company History

Company History

2007

On October 1, 2007, Arrow International was acquired by Teleflex Incorporated (NYSE:TFX). Arrow products are now part of the Teleflex Medical family of brands.

2006
Arrow introduces the Arrow SmartSeal™ Hemostatic Peelable Dialysis Sheath designed to minimize risk of air embolism, minimize blood loss and reduce clinicians’ exposure to blood-borne pathogens during the entire catheterization procedure.

Arrow introduces the maximal barrier precautions tray, a new CVC insertion kit. The tray, which is available in different configurations, provides a comprehensive array of tools to prevent central line infections and is designed to help hospitals and healthcare workers comply with the latest guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s (IHI) 100,000 Lives Campaign.

2005
Arrow introduces Arrow Simplicity™ micro-puncture introducer set, a new dialysis access product to be used in combination with Arrow’s chronic hemodialysis catheters. Micropuncture is a common technique used to gain safe and easy access to the patient’s vasculature, as well as to determine the appropriate length catheter for the patient prior to catheterization. The Arrow Simplicity was designed to simplify this technique by adding more functionality into the guidewire.

2002
Arrow offers the first stimulating continuous nerve block catheter, the StimuCath™, which confirms positive placement of the catheter next to the nerve. The StimuCath technology can reduce the risk of secondary block failure, while improving pain management for the patient.

2000
The Company introduces an advanced, truly automatic intra-aortic balloon pump called the AutoCAT®. The pump features AutoPilot™, a mode of operation that automatically selects operating parameters for optimal temporary cardiac assist.

Innovations in safety. ARROWg+ard Blue Plus®, a second-generation antimicrobial catheter, receives FDA clearance. This innovation provides intra-luminal antimicrobial protection, enhancing patient safety. Arrow introduces central venous catheterization kits with an increased margin of safety. The kits include Sharps Safety Features designed to protect physicians and clinicians from accidental skin punctures: Arrow Staple Anchoring Device, Arrow SharpsAway® II Locking Disposal Cup, and a Protected Scalpel.

Arrow proudly celebrates its 25th Anniversary.

1998
Arrow creates an innovative vascular access alternative. The Arrow PICC, or Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter, is a small catheter placed into a vein in one of the patient’s arms, rather than the chest area.

The ACAT®1 Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump is introduced to the U.S. market. It is designed to be the smallest, lightest, and most versatile pump on the market.

1997
A breakthrough for hemodialysis patients. Arrow introduces the Arrow-Trerotola PTD® (Percutaneous Thrombolytic Device), a groundbreaking mechanical declotting device for chronic hemodialysis patients. The device features a rotating fragmentation basket that can remove clots in dialysis access grafts without surgery or costly medications. The PTD is designed to decrease the risk, expense and complications associated with current clot-removing techniques.

Arrow purchases the intra-aortic balloon businesses of two separate companies: Boston Scientific, Inc. and C.R. Bard, Inc., becoming the second largest supplier of intra-aortic cardiac assist devices.

1994
Arrow acquires the intra-aortic balloon pumping business of Kontron Instruments, Inc., strengthening the Company’s position in the field of cardiac care.

The FlexTip Plus® Epidural Catheter becomes one of the Company’s fastest growing products. The advanced catheter combines Arrow’s spring-wire and plastics technologies in a flexible, soft-tipped device that resists kinking. These features help reduce inadvertent epidural vein puncture and virtually eliminate paresthesia, an irritation of nerve ends that causes patient discomfort.

1992
Arrow introduces ARROWg+ard Blue® Antimicrobial Surface-Treated Catheters, a most significant product improvement. Arrow is the first company to develop an antimicrobial surface treatment to help prevent catheter-related infections. ARROWg+ard® is designed to reduce costly catheter-related infections, thereby improving patient outcomes. The patented antimicrobial surface treatment combines two antiseptics, chlorhexidine and silver sulfadiazine, which can reduce catheter-related infections in patients requiring central venous catheterization.

Also in 1992, Arrow goes public. The Company's stock is offered to the public for the first time on June 9, 1992. Shares trade publicly on the NASDAQ under the symbol ARRO.

The Super Arrow-Flex Sheath Introducer adds a new twist in 1992. Capitalizing on the success of the original Arrow-Flex® Sheath, Arrow creates the Super Arrow-Flex® Sheath Introducer. This remarkable product features a unique stainless steel coil-wire sealed between two layers of polyurethane, allowing the sheath to flex at any point, and in any direction, without kinking or collapsing.

1988
Arrow establishes a sales subsidiary in Japan, as the products are already well accepted in the Japanese market.

1987
Arrow enters the interventional procedure catheter market with the acquisition of the cardiovascular catheter product line of Johnson & Johnson’s Critikon Division. Arrow begins manufacturing and marketing Interventional Diagnostic Catheters. Most of these products are used by cardiologists and radiologists who work in specialized catheterization labs diagnosing and treating heart and vascular disease. The interventional product line lays the groundwork for Arrow’s Cardiac Care Division.

1986
Arrow spins off its textile needle business.

1984–1985
Arrow hires its first International Sales Manager and establishes a Canadian subsidiary, the first of eleven subsidiaries that account for 36% of Arrow’s total sales.

1983
Arrow shows it's first sheath introducer kit to an anesthesia technician at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. A discussion occurs regarding the problem of the sheath kinking at the hub. Arrow engineers apply a flexible corrugation principle to the end of the sheath (much like a soda straw) and the Arrow-Flex Sheath Introducer becomes a reality.

1982 - Arrow develops the Arrow-Howes™ Multi-Lumen Catheter
Dr. LeRoy Misuraca of Southern California contacts Arrow and reveals he has a revolutionary idea he would like to share. He outlines his concept for a multi-lumen central venous catheter with two separate and distinct lumens, or channels. A patent search reveals that a patent has already been filed by Dr. Randolph M. Howes for the identical product concept. Within one week, Dr. Howes is contacted and an agreement with Arrow International is signed. Later, the Arrow-Howes™ Multi-Lumen Catheter is launched and becomes a phenomenal success. The Arrow-Howes Multi-Lumen Catheter, now dominant in the market, goes on to become the number one selling multi-lumen central venous catheter in the world.

1980 - Arrow introduces Arrow Cath-Gard®
Physicians tell Arrow of the need to protect catheters from external contamination. Arrow develops a simple, easy-to-use contamination shield. The idea is to reduce the risk of contamination when the physician is repositioning a catheter. This leads to the creation of the patented Arrow Cath-Gard®.

1978 - Arrow introduces the first polyurethane catheter.
In response to physician need for a softer indwelling catheter,Arrow develops the first polyurethane catheter. Today, polyurethane remains the industry’s most popular material used in central venous catheter design.

1977 - Arrow introduces the first complete Catheter Insertion Kit with Single-Lumen Catheter
Arrow formally introduces the Internal Jugular Puncture Kit and becomes the first company to offer sterile catheter kits with matched components for specific procedures. The kit focuses on the safer Seldinger spring-wire guide technique. Sales of the kit take off, especially in teaching hospitals, and it becomes a great success.

1975 - Arrow International, Inc. was founded
Arrow International, Inc. announced the beginning of its operation as a privately-owned company in the textile and medical industries on December 8, 1975. The business, formerly known as the Arrow Products Division of Rockwell International, was purchased by a group of Reading, PA. investors.

At the time, the knitting needle/knitting elements product line accounts for 90% of Arrow sales. The ultimate dream of the new owners is to develop the medical device side of the business and, most importantly, to develop a proprietary line of products to be sold under the Arrow name.


	> About Arrow > Company History Company History 2007 On October 1, 2007, Arrow International was acquired by Teleflex Incorporated (NYSE:TFX). Arrow products are now part of the Teleflex Medical family of brands. 2006 Arrow introduces the Arrow SmartSeal™ Hemostatic Peelable Dialysis Sheath designed to minimize risk of air embolism, minimize blood loss and reduce clinicians’ exposure to blood-borne pathogens during the entire catheterization procedure. Arrow introduces the maximal barrier precautions tray, a new CVC insertion kit. The tray, which is available in different configurations, provides a comprehensive array of tools to prevent central line infections and is designed to help hospitals and healthcare workers comply with the latest guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA), and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement’s (IHI) 100,000 Lives Campaign. 2005 Arrow introduces Arrow Simplicity™ micro-puncture introducer set, a new dialysis access product to be used in combination with Arrow’s chronic hemodialysis catheters. Micropuncture is a common technique used to gain safe and easy access to the patient’s vasculature, as well as to determine the appropriate length catheter for the patient prior to catheterization. The Arrow Simplicity was designed to simplify this technique by adding more functionality into the guidewire. 2002 Arrow offers the first stimulating continuous nerve block catheter, the StimuCath™, which confirms positive placement of the catheter next to the nerve. The StimuCath technology can reduce the risk of secondary block failure, while improving pain management for the patient. 2000 The Company introduces an advanced, truly automatic intra-aortic balloon pump called the AutoCAT®. The pump features AutoPilot™, a mode of operation that automatically selects operating parameters for optimal temporary cardiac assist. Innovations in safety. ARROWg+ard Blue Plus®, a second-generation antimicrobial catheter, receives FDA clearance. This innovation provides intra-luminal antimicrobial protection, enhancing patient safety. Arrow introduces central venous catheterization kits with an increased margin of safety. The kits include Sharps Safety Features designed to protect physicians and clinicians from accidental skin punctures: Arrow Staple Anchoring Device, Arrow SharpsAway® II Locking Disposal Cup, and a Protected Scalpel. Arrow proudly celebrates its 25th Anniversary. 1998 Arrow creates an innovative vascular access alternative. The Arrow PICC, or Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter, is a small catheter placed into a vein in one of the patient’s arms, rather than the chest area. The ACAT®1 Intra-Aortic Balloon Pump is introduced to the U.S. market. It is designed to be the smallest, lightest, and most versatile pump on the market. 1997 A breakthrough for hemodialysis patients. Arrow introduces the Arrow-Trerotola PTD® (Percutaneous Thrombolytic Device), a groundbreaking mechanical declotting device for chronic hemodialysis patients. The device features a rotating fragmentation basket that can remove clots in dialysis access grafts without surgery or costly medications. The PTD is designed to decrease the risk, expense and complications associated with current clot-removing techniques. Arrow purchases the intra-aortic balloon businesses of two separate companies: Boston Scientific, Inc. and C.R. Bard, Inc., becoming the second largest supplier of intra-aortic cardiac assist devices. 1994 Arrow acquires the intra-aortic balloon pumping business of Kontron Instruments, Inc., strengthening the Company’s position in the field of cardiac care. The FlexTip Plus® Epidural Catheter becomes one of the Company’s fastest growing products. The advanced catheter combines Arrow’s spring-wire and plastics technologies in a flexible, soft-tipped device that resists kinking. These features help reduce inadvertent epidural vein puncture and virtually eliminate paresthesia, an irritation of nerve ends that causes patient discomfort. 1992 Arrow introduces ARROWg+ard Blue® Antimicrobial Surface-Treated Catheters, a most significant product improvement. Arrow is the first company to develop an antimicrobial surface treatment to help prevent catheter-related infections. ARROWg+ard® is designed to reduce costly catheter-related infections, thereby improving patient outcomes. The patented antimicrobial surface treatment combines two antiseptics, chlorhexidine and silver sulfadiazine, which can reduce catheter-related infections in patients requiring central venous catheterization. Also in 1992, Arrow goes public. The Company's stock is offered to the public for the first time on June 9, 1992. Shares trade publicly on the NASDAQ under the symbol ARRO. The Super Arrow-Flex Sheath Introducer adds a new twist in 1992. Capitalizing on the success of the original Arrow-Flex® Sheath, Arrow creates the Super Arrow-Flex® Sheath Introducer. This remarkable product features a unique stainless steel coil-wire sealed between two layers of polyurethane, allowing the sheath to flex at any point, and in any direction, without kinking or collapsing. 1988 Arrow establishes a sales subsidiary in Japan, as the products are already well accepted in the Japanese market. 1987 Arrow enters the interventional procedure catheter market with the acquisition of the cardiovascular catheter product line of Johnson & Johnson’s Critikon Division. Arrow begins manufacturing and marketing Interventional Diagnostic Catheters. Most of these products are used by cardiologists and radiologists who work in specialized catheterization labs diagnosing and treating heart and vascular disease. The interventional product line lays the groundwork for Arrow’s Cardiac Care Division. 1986 Arrow spins off its textile needle business. 1984–1985 Arrow hires its first International Sales Manager and establishes a Canadian subsidiary, the first of eleven subsidiaries that account for 36% of Arrow’s total sales. 1983 Arrow shows it's first sheath introducer kit to an anesthesia technician at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles. A discussion occurs regarding the problem of the sheath kinking at the hub. Arrow engineers apply a flexible corrugation principle to the end of the sheath (much like a soda straw) and the Arrow-Flex Sheath Introducer becomes a reality. 1982 - Arrow develops the Arrow-Howes™ Multi-Lumen Catheter Dr. LeRoy Misuraca of Southern California contacts Arrow and reveals he has a revolutionary idea he would like to share. He outlines his concept for a multi-lumen central venous catheter with two separate and distinct lumens, or channels. A patent search reveals that a patent has already been filed by Dr. Randolph M. Howes for the identical product concept. Within one week, Dr. Howes is contacted and an agreement with Arrow International is signed. Later, the Arrow-Howes™ Multi-Lumen Catheter is launched and becomes a phenomenal success. The Arrow-Howes Multi-Lumen Catheter, now dominant in the market, goes on to become the number one selling multi-lumen central venous catheter in the world. 1980 - Arrow introduces Arrow Cath-Gard® Physicians tell Arrow of the need to protect catheters from external contamination. Arrow develops a simple, easy-to-use contamination shield. The idea is to reduce the risk of contamination when the physician is repositioning a catheter. This leads to the creation of the patented Arrow Cath-Gard®. 1978 - Arrow introduces the first polyurethane catheter. In response to physician need for a softer indwelling catheter,Arrow develops the first polyurethane catheter. Today, polyurethane remains the industry’s most popular material used in central venous catheter design. 1977 - Arrow introduces the first complete Catheter Insertion Kit with Single-Lumen Catheter Arrow formally introduces the Internal Jugular Puncture Kit and becomes the first company to offer sterile catheter kits with matched components for specific procedures. The kit focuses on the safer Seldinger spring-wire guide technique. Sales of the kit take off, especially in teaching hospitals, and it becomes a great success. 1975 - Arrow International, Inc. was founded Arrow International, Inc. announced the beginning of its operation as a privately-owned company in the textile and medical industries on December 8, 1975. The business, formerly known as the Arrow Products Division of Rockwell International, was purchased by a group of Reading, PA. investors. At the time, the knitting needle/knitting elements product line accounts for 90% of Arrow sales. The ultimate dream of the new owners is to develop the medical device side of the business and, most importantly, to develop a proprietary line of products to be sold under the Arrow name.