[Effects of catheter size and fixation device on central venous catheter fixation]

The risk of accidental removal of a central venous catheter is a major concern in anesthesia and intensive care. We hypothesized that the force required to remove a fixed catheter depends on the size of the catheter (diameter) or use of a dry or wet catheter. In this study, the force required for accidental removal of dry and wet catheters was compared by dividing the subjects into 2 groups: dry group (patients in whom dry catheters were used) and wet group (patients in whom wet catheters were used). The force required for the accidental removal of dry catheters was greater than that required for the accidental removal of wet catheters, regardless of catheter diameter. Therefore, it is essential to use dry catheters and fixtures to prevent accidental removal of central venous catheters.