SERIAL SURVEYS OF CENTRAL VENOUS CATHETER MANAGEMENT BY CRITICAL CARE PRACTITIONERS

Abstract

PURPOSE: Central venous catheters (CVC) are frequently used in the ICU. The use of ultrasound guidance, use of antimicrobial-impregnated catheters, and avoidance of femoral vein cannulation are practices recommended to improve patient safety. Guidelines for management of CVCs in the critically ill febrile patient exist. To learn more about physician practices related to CVC management, we performed surveys at recent medical meetings.