Tissue adhesive for vascular access devices: who, what, where and when?

Abstract

Despite vascular access devices (VADs) being vital for patient care, device failure rates are unacceptably high with around 25% of central venous devices, and 30-40% of peripheral venous devices, developing complications that result in VAD failure. The use of tissue adhesive is a novel method of securing VADs and is gaining popularity, however the evidence base guiding its clinical use is still emerging. This article aims to review the types and properties of tissue adhesives, provide an overview of the existing evidence base, and discuss how tissue adhesives may be used in clinical practice.