Vizient Reviews Ortho Innovations and IV Fluid Conservation
Vizient, Inc., the nation’s leading provider-driven healthcare performance improvement company, has released the latest edition of its Medical Device Tech Watch, spotlighting advancements in orthopedic technology, strategies for conserving intravenous (IV) fluids, and evolving trends in cardiovascular and peripheral interventions.
As healthcare providers continue to navigate rising operational costs and resource constraints, evaluating the clinical and financial impact of new technologies is more critical than ever. Vizient’s latest report provides valuable insights into how medical innovation is shaping care delivery, helping hospitals and health systems make informed, data-driven decisions.
“Healthcare organizations are under constant pressure to manage costs while maintaining high-quality care,” said Bonnie Lai, senior vice president and general manager of clinical and physician preference at Vizient. “Our team of clinical and category experts works closely with providers to evaluate the long-term value of emerging technologies, ensuring every investment enhances patient outcomes and contributes to sustainability.”
Key Highlights from the Latest Medical Device Tech Watch:
Transformative Innovations in Orthopedic Care
New technologies in orthopedic medicine are reshaping treatment protocols and broadening care options for patients. For example, personalized spinal implants that match an individual’s bone density can increase eligibility for patients who were previously ineligible for surgery due to low bone mass. These developments not only improve patient outcomes but also increase the overall efficiency of orthopedic services.
Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) bone scans for spinal patients are projected to see a significant increase in demand—rising by 18% to reach 82,000 scans annually by 2034. This growth is fueled by the need for precise diagnostics that support personalized care plans.
Moreover, innovations in orthopedic robotics, implant materials, sports injury treatment, and outpatient rehabilitation are evolving rapidly. These changes encourage healthcare organizations to reassess their technology strategies and explore opportunities to modernize their orthopedic programs.
Strategies for IV Fluid Conservation
Managing IV fluid supply is becoming increasingly important due to unpredictable supply chain conditions, higher costs, and the ongoing imperative to maintain high clinical standards. Vizient’s report highlights an alternative approach to traditional surgical wound irrigation—replacing standard IV fluid bags with a dedicated wound irrigation system.
This shift not only reduces waste by eliminating partially used IV bags but also enhances sterilization efforts and operational efficiency in surgical settings. Hospitals and surgical centers are encouraged to evaluate the clinical and financial implications of adopting specialized irrigation systems as a way to preserve resources and maintain quality care delivery.
Trends in Cardiovascular and Peripheral Interventions
Technological progress in cardiovascular and peripheral interventions continues to accelerate. As more clinical data becomes available and regulatory pathways evolve, healthcare stakeholders are gaining a clearer picture of the benefits and limitations of these emerging technologies.
The report discusses the outlook for drug-coated balloons—used in both peripheral and coronary interventions—and the growing interest in pulsed field ablation, a promising approach for treating atrial fibrillation. As these innovations mature, they offer the potential to improve clinical outcomes, shorten recovery times, and increase procedural efficiency.
Healthcare providers are urged to stay informed about these changes and consider how new tools and techniques can be integrated into their cardiovascular service lines to support better patient care and financial performance.
About Vizient, Inc.
Vizient, Inc. is the largest provider-driven healthcare performance improvement company in the United States. Serving more than 65% of the nation’s acute care providers—including 97% of academic medical centers—and over 35% of the non-acute care market, Vizient helps organizations achieve excellence through cost-effective, high-value care solutions.
The company manages a contract portfolio representing $140 billion in annual purchasing volume, enabling its members to make smarter procurement decisions. With its 2024 acquisition of Kaufman Hall, Vizient expanded its advisory capabilities to include strategic, financial, clinical, and operational performance improvement.
Headquartered in Irving, Texas, Vizient operates offices across the U.S., providing consulting, analytics, and technology solutions that empower healthcare providers to thrive in an evolving landscape.
