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Author Spotlight: Hickman Catheter Use for Long-Term Vascular Access in a Preclinical Swine Model
Published on: March 31, 2023
Clinical experience with a chlorhexidine-coated PICC: A prospective, multicenter, observational study
Michael A Winkler1, Timothy R Spencer2, Nasir Siddiqi3
1Department of Radiology, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, USA.
This study shows chlorhexidine-coated peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) have low complication rates in high-risk patients. These PICCs are a viable option for reducing central line-associated bloodstream infections and thrombosis.
Area of Science:
- Medical Devices
- Infectious Diseases
- Vascular Access
Background:
- Central venous catheters are essential for long-term therapies but carry risks of complications.
- Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are widely used, necessitating strategies to mitigate associated risks.
- Chlorhexidine coating is a potential method to reduce catheter-related complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the safety and efficacy of chlorhexidine-coated PICCs.
- To determine the incidence of complications associated with chlorhexidine-coated PICCs in inpatient and outpatient settings.
- To assess the impact of chlorhexidine-coated PICCs on central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) and catheter-related thrombosis (CRT).
Main Methods:
- A prospective, observational, multicenter study involving 103 adult patients requiring PICCs for at least 14 days.
- Duplex venous ultrasounds were performed before insertion, during dwell time, and upon removal.
- Data collection included patient records, clinic data, and patient diaries.
Main Results:
- The study enrolled 103 patients, with 79% from high-risk groups (cancer, infectious diseases, transplant, trauma).
- The incidence of CLABSI was 0.82 per 1000 catheter-days.
- The combined rate of catheter-related thrombosis (CRT) and fibroblastic sleeve (FS) was 6.9%.
Conclusions:
- Chlorhexidine-coated PICCs demonstrated a low incidence of CLABSI and CRT in a high-risk patient population.
- The findings suggest that chlorhexidine-coated PICC technology is a safe and effective option for reducing complications.
- This technology can be considered for both inpatient and outpatient settings for patients at moderate to high risk of catheter-related complications.
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