Summer’s Lifeguard- a 100% cotton fabric Hook & loop Velcro central Line/Port Wrap is a medical device for young children with a central venous catheter (CVC) or portacath.

• The wrap is a soft, comfortable garment, made of 100% cotton which provides comfort to the child by easing stress on the skin where the tube is implanted.
• The wrap hides the tubes from the child and prevents tampering which could lead to complications or additional unnecessary surgeries.
• The wrap provides easy access to the lumens for administration of medicine.
• The color-coded tabs match the lumens for easy identification by hospital staff
  and care givers.
• The hook and loop Velcro closures provide for easy adjustment.
• Unique “finger” closure accommodates the placement of the central line
  anywhere across the chest.
• Back flap covers the ports to reduce tampering.
• Cleared by the FDA as a Class I Exempt Medical Device

Summer's Story

On October 13, 2006, at just 21 months old, Summer was diagnosed with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML).
Because AML is fatal without treatment (and even with treatment the overall survivor rate is low), Summer began intensive chemotherapy within hours of the diagnosis.

As part of her treatment, Summer had a central venous catheter surgically implanted in her chest, through which, she received her medicine and treatment. Less than a month into treatment, her father discovered that part of her central line catheter was getting twisted, which could cause the tube to break, and bring about serious complications including the need for additional surgery.

After several unsuccessful attempts by pediatric oncology nurses to find a remedy, the family realized they needed to design their own solution.  Summer’s central venous catheter broke. (After three breaks surgery is required to implant a new central line catheter!) Summer’s mom, Andrea, contacted their friend Karen, a retired nurse who is also a seamstress, and together they developed summer’s Lifeguard™, a Central Line/Port Wrap.

The primary concerns were minimizing the risk of infection (due to no immune system) and avoiding additional surgery, by ensuring summer’s central venous catheter was out of her reach. The unique design literally wrapped the lines of the central venous catheter around her body, with padding and soft fabric that cushioned Summer to make her more comfortable and allowed for her mobility. Karen, as a nurse, added some unique features that provided easy access to the lumens for administration of medicine, and color coded tabs that matched the lumens for easy identification by hospital staff and caregivers.. Their design is universal enough to fit any child regardless of where their central line catheter is implanted on their chest.

Although Summer reached remission in May of 2007 and enjoyed a wonderful summer with her family, she relapsed in November 2007. Summer completed a bone marrow transplant in January 2008. She is facing many challenges, specifically chronic graft versus host disease (gvhd), but today she is a happy, active pre-schooler.

Sizes:                                                                                            Infant Chest size 17” - 18” / 43.2 - 45.7 cm 

Toddler S Chest size 19" - 22" / 48.3 - 55.9 cm

Toddler M Chest size 23" - 25" / 58.4 - 63.5 cm

Color: Cream

FDA Classification:                                                                                                                        Regulation Name/Number: 21 CFR 880.5210, Intravascular Catheter Securement Device Regulatory Class: Class I Exempt Product Code: KMK

Suggested medical billing code: A4649 Surgical Supplies; Misc.