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Updated: Jul 4, 2026
09:57
A Protocol to Set Up Needle-Free Connector with Positive Displacement on Central Venous Catheter in Intensive Care Unit
Published on: July 13, 2019
Central venous catheterization: a prospective, randomized, double-blind study
Mervyn Mer1, Adriano Gianmaria Duse, Jacqueline Suzanne Galpin
1Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonology and Critical Care, Johannesburg Hospital and University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. mervyn.mer@wits.ac.za
Summary
Standard central venous catheters (CVCs) can be safely used for up to 14 days in critically ill patients. Antimicrobial-impregnated CVCs did not show significant benefits in reducing catheter-related infections (CRIs).
Area of Science:
- Critical Care Medicine
- Infectious Diseases
- Medical Devices
Background:
- Central venous catheters (CVCs) are essential in critical care but associated with significant complications like infections and thrombosis.
- Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) are a major concern, accounting for 90% of catheter-related infections.
- The optimal duration for CVC use in critically ill patients remains debated, with antimicrobial-impregnated catheters introduced to mitigate infection risks.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the rate of catheter-related infections (CRIs) between standard and antimicrobial-impregnated CVCs.
- To determine if CVC insertion duration could be safely extended from 7 to 14 days.
- To investigate the epidemiology and risk factors associated with CRIs in critically ill patients.
Main Methods:
- A prospective, randomized, double-blind study involving 118 critically ill patients over 4 years.
- Comparison of standard triple-lumen CVCs versus antimicrobial-impregnated CVCs.
- Data collection on CRI rates, duration of catheterization, and potential risk factors.
Main Results:
- Antimicrobial-impregnated catheters offered no significant advantage over standard catheters in reducing CRIs.
- Standard CVCs can be safely used for up to 14 days with appropriate infection control measures.
- The skin was the most common source of CRI; parenteral nutrition and insertion site (internal jugular vs. subclavian) were not identified as risk factors.
Conclusions:
- Standard CVCs are safe for up to 14 days in critically ill patients when infection control protocols are followed.
- Antimicrobial impregnation does not provide additional significant benefit for reducing CRIs in this patient population.
- Further research and adherence to infection control practices are crucial for optimizing CVC use and patient outcomes.
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