Is routine changing of peripheral arterial catheters justified?
Although peripheral arterial catheters (pACs) are used extensively, disagreement persists concerning the practice of scheduled replacement to prevent catheter-related infections. Despite recommendations and no proof of benefit, pAC replacement continues to be scheduled as a routine practice in many intensive care units (ICUs) worldwide. Our own experience in an oncology ICU, based on a 217-device database, confirms that the risk for pAC-related infections is stable over time, arguing against scheduled replacement. The low rate and stability of the risk of pAC-related infections supports the rationale for conservative management in accordance with expert recommendations.
Blot
F
F
Intensive Care Unit, Institute Gastave Roussy, Villejuif, France. blot@igr.fr
Estphan
G
G
Boughaba
A
A
Soltani
D
D
Edé
C
C
Chachaty
E
E
D002406:Catheterization, Peripheral; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control / Q000379:methods*; D007362:Intensive Care Units