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Updated: Jul 25, 2026
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A Protocol to Set Up Needle-Free Connector with Positive Displacement on Central Venous Catheter in Intensive Care Unit
Published on: July 13, 2019
Preventing vascular catheter-related infections: current controversies
1Department of Medicine, University of Virginia Health System, Charlottesville, VA 22908-0473, USA. bmf@virginia.edu
Summary
Effective prevention of vascular catheter infections requires robust surveillance and antiseptic skin preparation. Scheduled catheter replacement is ineffective, while antiseptic-impregnated catheters offer a promising alternative to antibiotics.
Area of Science:
- Infection Control
- Medical Device Safety
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Vascular catheter-related infections are a significant healthcare challenge.
- Optimal preventive strategies are debated, impacting patient outcomes.
- Current practices may not align with evidence-based recommendations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review controversies and evidence regarding optimal methods for preventing vascular catheter-related infections.
- To highlight the importance of surveillance and effective skin preparation.
- To evaluate the efficacy of scheduled catheter replacement and antiseptic interventions.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing randomized trials and observational studies.
- Analysis of data from the Study of the Efficacy of Nosocomial Infection Control (SENIC).
- Evaluation of different catheter insertion techniques, skin preparation agents, and catheter materials.
Main Results:
- Nosocomial infection surveillance was a key predictor of prevention in the SENIC study but is underutilized.
- Scheduled catheter replacement has not been proven effective in preventing infections.
- Chlorhexidine skin preparation significantly reduces catheter colonization.
- Antiseptic-impregnated catheters are a viable alternative to antibiotic use, with lower risk of resistance.
Conclusions:
- Enhanced surveillance and consistent use of chlorhexidine for skin preparation are crucial.
- Discontinuation of ineffective practices like scheduled catheter replacement is recommended.
- Antiseptic-impregnated catheters represent a safe and effective strategy for infection prevention.
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