[Medicated intravascular catheters. Review of the literature]

Central Venous Catheters (CVC) are widely used in the setting of intensive care units, but they are associated with an increased risk of CVC-related infections. To prevent infections originated from CVC, a number of devices have been more recently produced, that are characterized by the presence of antiseptic/antibiotic substances in the matrix of the CVC itself ("impregnated" CVC). In this brief review, more recent studies on the topic are discussed, especially in the light of guidelines from the CDC. Although from these studies many suggestions about the efficacy of impregnated CVC in the prevention of CVC-related infections can be derived, notwithstanding the critical role of preventive measures during CVC procedures must be recognized as the principal factor in reducing CVC infections.