The intraosseous space was first discovered as a non-collapsible vein in 1922 when C.K. Drinker, MD, of Harvard University examined the circulation of the sternum and confirmed that fluids infused into the bone marrow were quickly absorbed into the central circulation, providing a viable alternative to failed vascular access with traditional methods. However, a reliable, safe and easy method to access this intraosseous space proved elusive; this area of medicine and its opportunities remained unexplored – until now.

In 2000, Dr. Larry Miller, an emergency physician of over 30 years, envisioned a device that could access the intraosseous (IO) space safely. Working in tandem with The University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio, Dr. Miller and other researchers set out to develop a technology platform that could be utilized in a broad range of health care settings. These applications included vascular access, bone marrow biopsies and aspirations, regenerative medicine and more.

In 2001, Vidacare Corporation was established to bring this technology platform to market. In 2004, Vidacare received its first FDA clearance for the EZ-IO^® Intraosseous Infusion System – the first battery-powered device to establish immediate vascular access using the IO space. In 2007, Vidacare received additional FDA clearance for theOnControl™ Bone Marrow System, the first improvement to bone marrow procedures in decades. In 2008, the company received FDA clearance for the OnControl™ Bone Access System for use in spinal surgery procedures.

Today, Vidacare’s technology platform is widely recognized as a pioneer defining the field of intraosseous medicine. The EZ-IO technology is used in 90 percent of US advanced life support ambulances and over half of US Emergency Departments, as well as the US Military, and is available in over 50 countries. While IO is well-established as a standard of care for vascular access, it is now being applied in a broader variety of health care settings to both non-emergent and emergent patients.