Our Story
A quick overview of our novel medication and fluid administration device and its history.
The patient was amazed; within that first hour, the symptoms were already resolving
Robert Parker DNP, RN, CENP, CHPN, CHP
The patient was amazed; within that first hour, the symptoms were already resolving.
Robert Parker DNP, RN, CENP, CHPN, CHP
Clinical and Compliance Officer; EVP Operations Hospice at Home – Intrepid USA Healthcare Services
History of the Macy Catheter
His inspiration to invent the device came directly from a memorable patient interaction.
•••
One night, Brad had a patient who was experiencing severe terminal agitation. The patient was suffering; he was shouting, he was climbing out of bed, and he was clearly very frightened. Brad got orders to administer a sedative that would help calm the patient.
Since the patient was unable to swallow, the prescribed route of administration was per rectum. Brad administered the sedative in tablet form rectally as prescribed, and waited “that difficult wait” for the patient to relax while he emotionally supported the patient’s son.
An hour later, the patient was worse.
The patient and his family wanted him to be able to die peacefully and at home. Brad called the doctor again for another sedative dose. While he was preparing to administer it, Brad realized that the previous dose was still undissolved in the patient’s rectum.
Motivated to reduce the severe agitation and suffering of his dying patient, Brad improvised an administration method that enabled the medication to absorb quickly in the patient’s dry rectum. He crushed the sedative tablet, added water, and administered the medication suspension. The patient calmed down quickly and was sound asleep within thirty minutes.
The patient’s son was deeply grateful for this easy solution to his father’s symptoms, especially because his father experienced minimal subsequent discomfort or disruption. His father died peacefully at home a few days later per his own wish and the wish of his family.
Given the outcome of this case, Brad decided to co-found Hospi Corporation with the goal of making a commercial device available that could provide comfort and relief to patients and their loved ones on a much larger scale than would be possible as a lone practitioner.
Hospi developed the Macy Catheter to improve the patient and caregiver experience with serious or terminal illness. The Macy Catheter is designed to maintain patient comfort and dignity while leveraging the speed and efficacy of rectal administration. The Macy Catheter is of particular relevance during end of life, as it can help patients remain comfortable in their home.
The patented device can also reduce need for more costly and complex administration routes like intravenous delivery, which is seldom used in the hospice setting. The Macy Catheter has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. FDA.
History of the Macy Catheter
His inspiration to invent the device came directly from a memorable patient interaction.
•••
One night, Brad had a patient who was experiencing severe terminal agitation. The patient was suffering; he was shouting, he was climbing out of bed, and he was clearly very frightened. Brad got orders to administer a sedative that would help calm the patient.
Since the patient was unable to swallow, the prescribed route of administration was per rectum. Brad administered the sedative in tablet form rectally as prescribed, and waited “that difficult wait” for the patient to relax while he emotionally supported the patient’s son.
An hour later, the patient was worse.
The patient and his family wanted him to be able to die peacefully and at home. Brad called the doctor again for another sedative dose. While he was preparing to administer it, Brad realized that the previous dose was still undissolved in the patient’s rectum.
Motivated to reduce the severe agitation and suffering of his dying patient, Brad improvised an administration method that enabled the medication to absorb quickly in the patient’s dry rectum. He crushed the sedative tablet, added water, and administered the medication suspension. The patient calmed down quickly and was sound asleep within thirty minutes.
The patient’s son was deeply grateful for this easy solution to his father’s symptoms, especially because his father experienced minimal subsequent discomfort or disruption. His father died peacefully at home a few days later per his own wish and the wish of his family.
Given the outcome of this case, Brad decided to co-found Hospi Corporation with the goal of making a commercial device available that could provide comfort and relief to patients and their loved ones on a much larger scale than would be possible as a lone practitioner.
Hospi developed the Macy Catheter to improve the patient and caregiver experience with serious or terminal illness. The Macy Catheter is designed to maintain patient comfort and dignity while leveraging the speed and efficacy of rectal administration. The Macy Catheter is of particular relevance during end of life, as it can help patients remain comfortable in their home.
The patented device can also reduce need for more costly and complex administration routes like intravenous delivery, which is seldom used in the hospice setting. The Macy Catheter has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. FDA.
When should the Macy Catheter be considered as an option?
The rectal route of administration is ideal for rapid control of severe symptoms and is especially relevant when a patient has difficulty swallowing or when the oral route is otherwise compromised.
Symptoms may include:
Pain • Agitation • Shortness of breath • Fever • Seizures • Nausea and vomiting
Macy Catheter Benefits
When should the Macy Catheter be considered as an option?
The rectal route of administration is ideal for rapid control of severe symptoms and is especially relevant when a patient has difficulty swallowing or when the oral route is otherwise compromised.
Symptoms may include:
Pain • Agitation • Shortness of breath • Fever • Seizures • Nausea and vomiting
Macy Catheter Benefits
Testimonials
Dr. Wendy Schmitz, MD
Testimonials
Dr. Wendy Schmitz, MD
Is the Macy Catheter right for you?
