[Infection prevention and control in intravascular devices]

Intravascular devices (IVD) are indispensable in the care of the critical patient; even so, their use can be complicated by infection, which is generally associated with longer hospital stay and ensuing higher hospital costs. It is therefore imperative that guidelines are applied that constitute a basis of information upon which the individual facility can develop its own strategy. The strategy can be outlined under the following points: a) staff training, b) surveillance of IVD-associated infections, c) hand washing, d) barrier measures during catheter introduction and management, e) insertion site management and medication systems for the insertion site, f) choice and replacement of the IVD, g) replacement of intravenous administration devices and liquids, h) antimicrobial prophylaxis. In the management of central venous catheters (CVC), recommendations call for: 1) the use of a single lumen CVC, unless multiple accesses are needed; 2) the peripheral placement of CVCs, both in the use of tunneled catheters and/or implantable vascular devices in patients over 4 years of age in which long-term vascular access (> 30 days) is planned; 3) the use of completely implantable devices in pediatric patients less than 4 years of age requiring long-term vascular access; 4) the use of the subclavian artery as the site of CVC insertion unless clinically contraindicated (e.g. coagulopathy, anatomic alterations); 5) the application of barrier precautions during CVC introduction and in the management of the catheter and the insertion site.