Single versus double occlusive dressing technique to minimize infusion thrombophlebitis: Vialon and Teflon cannulae reassessed.
Infusion thrombophlebitis is the commonest complication of intravenous cannulation. This study was undertaken to prospectively evaluate a double-occlusive dressing technique and a new cannula, bismuth oxide-Teflon (Critikon Inc., Aust.), comparing it to Vialon (Deseret Medical Inc., Utah, USA). The study group of two hundred patients had a 16 gauge intravenous cannula inserted in theatre using a standard technique. The incidence of thrombophlebitis was determined on a daily basis. Cannula tips were sent for culture on removal. Vialon was found to be superior to Teflon after day 1. Although a double-occlusive dressing technique increased the duration of cannulation (50.9 vs. 41.9 hours, P less than 0.05), there was no difference in the incidence of thrombophlebitis. Neither cannula material nor dressing technique had an influence on the results of cannula tip culture (6% incidence). There was no evidence of bacteraemia in any case.
Myles
P S
PS
Department of Anaesthesia, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Buckland
M R
MR
Burnett
W J
WJ
D001419:Bacteria / Q000302:isolation & purification; D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation* / Q000379:methods; D004866:Equipment Contamination; D004867:Equipment Design; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009779:Occlusive Dressings; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene; D011140:Polyurethanes; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012117:Resins, Synthetic; D013924:Thrombophlebitis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013997:Time Factors
D011140:Polyurethanes; D012117:Resins, Synthetic; C048129:Vialon; D011138:Polytetrafluoroethylene