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Published on: June 7, 2015
A retrospective, comparative, clinical study of occlusion rate of peripherally inserted central catheters fabricated
Joseph Bunch1, Brian Hanley2, Daniel Donahue2
1ProVasc Solutions, LTD. Vascular Access Group, Romeoville, IL, USA. admin@picclines.net.
Insights
New hydrophilic biomaterial (HBM) peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) significantly reduced catheter occlusion compared to standard thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) devices. This innovation offers a promising solution to a common and costly complication in vascular access.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Vascular Access Devices
- Thrombosis Research
Background:
- Catheter occlusion is a frequent complication of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs).
- Thrombotic accumulation on vascular access devices stems from blood protein interactions.
- Hydrophilic materials are known to possess antithrombotic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the incidence of catheter occlusion between PICCs made of hydrophilic biomaterial (HBM) and thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).
Main Methods:
- A retrospective study was conducted on 121 patients requiring PICCs.
- 60 patients received HBM PICCs, and 61 patients received TPU PICCs.
- Catheter occlusion occurrences were reviewed for both groups.
Main Results:
- No occlusions (0.0%) were observed in the HBM PICC group (n=60).
- Catheter occlusions occurred in 13.2% of the TPU PICC group (n=61).
- The difference in occlusion rates was statistically significant (p=0.001).
Conclusions:
- HBM PICCs demonstrate a significant reduction in catheter occlusion compared to TPU PICCs.
- The extreme hydrophilicity of HBM may be responsible for its antithrombotic effect.
- This finding suggests HBM could improve patient outcomes by minimizing PICC-related complications.
Abstract:
Thrombotic accumulation is associated with surface interactions between blood proteins and vascular access devices. Catheter occlusion results from this process, and is a costly, common, occurrence with peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs). Hydrophilic catheter materials exhibit antithrombotic properties. This retrospective study evaluates the occurrence of catheter occlusion of PICCs constructed of a poly(vinyl alcohol)-based hydrogel composite known as hydrophilic biomaterial (HBM), compared to thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) control devices. A total of 121 PICCs, 60 HBM and 61 TPU, were placed in patients with a clinical need and were reviewed for the occurrence of catheter occlusion. The records review found that occlusions occurred in 0/60 (0.0%) of the HBM PICCs and 13/61 (21.3%) of TPU PICCs (p = 0.001). HBM exhibits favorable qualities for vascular access, most importantly its extreme hydrophilicity. Clinically, this may be responsible for the reduction in PICC occlusions, which could improve patient outcomes.
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