Editorial
Is routine changing of peripheral arterial catheters justified?

https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1469-0691.2008.02001.xGet rights and content
Under an Elsevier user license
open archive

ABSTRACT

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.

Keywords

Arterial catheter
bacteraemia
cancer patients
catheter-related infection
catheter removal
intensive care units

Cited by (0)