#Japan #Cardinal Health #Fukuroi #MET System #Japan Ash

Cardinal Health and Japan Ash Partnership

Cardinal Health, a renowned global healthcare company, announced today an exclusive sales agreement with Japan Ash Co., Ltd. to distribute the innovative MET Optical Guide Catheter System. This cutting-edge system utilizes near-infrared light technology to assist healthcare professionals in verifying the positioning of nasogastric feeding tubes, a critical tool in nutritional therapy. Anticipated to launch in September 2025, this partnership marks a significant step towards enhancing patient safety in medical settings across Japan.

Addressing serious complications

Misplacement of nasogastric feeding tubes can lead to severe complications, making accurate placement critical. The MET Optical Guide Catheter System offers a solution that allows for real-time visualization of the tube's position during insertion, fundamentally improving the safety of these procedures. By integrating near-infrared light detection with advanced imaging technology, healthcare providers can ensure more reliable placement of feeding tubes, drastically reducing the risk of misinsertion into the trachea.

How it works

When using the MET system, a device called a stylet is inserted into the feeding tube. An LED equipped with near-infrared light illuminates the head of the stylet, which is detected by a rear-mounted camera on the catheter device. This light is converted into an image that appears on the system's monitor, enabling practitioners to confirm the tube's placement instantly during the procedure. This real-time feedback enhances procedural efficacy and contributes to higher safety standards in patient care.

Expert opinions on technology

Dr. Taku Matsudo, the director of the Emergency and Critical Care Center at Jichi Medical University, expressed enthusiasm for the technology's potential to transform clinical practices. “Traditionally, the verification of nasogastric tube positioning relied heavily on X-rays or daily auscultation, both of which posed challenges in terms of speed and accuracy,” he explained. “The innovative fusion of sensing devices and proprietary algorithms developed through collaboration with Japan Ash enables us to create a new verification tool that can be used repeatedly at the bedside, mitigating the risks of misplacement and enhancing the overall safety and efficiency of nutritional management.”

Statements from executives

Sudo Dai, the president of Cardinal Health Japan, expressed confidence in the partnership and its implications for patient care. “Our mission is to provide products and services that improve people's lives. This partnership strengthens our offering in the Kangaroo brand line of nasogastric feeding tubes, contributing to the realization of safe tube placements and enhancing the quality of nutritional therapy in Japan.”

Similarly, Takehiko Takeno, president of Japan Ash, highlighted the importance of working with a leading company in the field. “By collaborating with Cardinal Health, the top player in the domestic market for enteral feeding tubes, we believe we can provide healthcare professionals with a product that is both simple to use and of high quality and safety,” he stated.

About Cardinal Health

Established in 1973, Cardinal Health, based in Fukuroi City, Shizuoka Prefecture, has been at the forefront of developing and manufacturing healthcare and diagnostic devices tailored to Japan's medical needs for over 50 years. With a commitment to customer focus, continuous improvement, and innovative solutions, Cardinal Health aims to uphold high standards in healthcare delivery.

For more information, visit Cardinal Health or Cardinal Health Japan.

About Japan Ash Co., Ltd.

Japan Ash has been a leader in the development, manufacturing, and selling of biological measurement devices in the gastrointestinal and dermatological fields for 45 years. They focus on providing reliable products and ensuring safety and peace of mind for medical facilities. Their research and development facilities emphasize the creation of high-precision measurement devices that enhance product safety.

For further details, visit Japan Ash.