Catheter Entry Site Research Articles

Bacteriologic nature and prevention of contamination to intravenous catheters

Abstract In a study of intravenous catheterization in 150 patients, the application of nitrofurazone-treated pads at the site of catheter entry was associated with an incidence of catheter tip infection significantly lower than that associated with nonmedicated pads. Species analysis indicated that bacterial phlebitis caused by S aureus occurred less often in the treated group than in the controls. Erythema, noted at twenty-six venipuncture sites, did not correlate specifically with positive bacterial cultures from the catheter tip thrombus. The administration of potassium chloride solutions via the catheter, however, was associated with a significantly higher incidence of erythema than that which occurred with the administration of other fluids. There was no correlation between the incidence of positive catheter tip cultures and the use of either potassium chloride or systemic antibiotics. No instance of septicemia, suppurative phlebitis, or hypersensitivity reaction to nitrofurazone was observed.

Bacteriologic nature and prevention of contamination to intravenous catheters

In a study of intravenous catheterization in 150 patients, the application of nitrofurazone-treated pads at the site of catheter entry was associated with an incidence of catheter tip infection significantly lower than that associated with nonmedicated pads. Species analysis indicated that bacterial phlebitis caused by S aureus occurred less often in the treated group than in the controls. Erythema, noted at twenty-six venipuncture sites, did not correlate specifically with positive bacterial cultures from the catheter tip thrombus. The administration of potassium chloride solutions via the catheter, however, was associated with a significantly higher incidence of erythema than that which occurred with the administration of other fluids. There was no correlation between the incidence of positive catheter tip cultures and the use of either potassium chloride or systemic antibiotics. No instance of septicemia, suppurative phlebitis, or hypersensitivity reaction to nitrofurazone was observed.

Late, Heparin-Induced Bleeding after Retrograde Arterial Catheterization

Three patients with ball-valve prostheses were given heparin after percutaneous retrograde aortic catheterization from the femoral artery. The drug was given prophylactically in one case and because of the development of signs of systemic embolism soon after catheterization in the other two. After 3 or more days of heparin therapy, serious bleeding developed at the site of percutaneous catheter entry. The timing and incidence of this complication are in marked contrast to experience with this procedure in individuals who did not receive heparin. Preliminary experience is presented from right and left heart catheterizations in patients whose prothrombin-proconvertin times were allowed to remain in or near the therapeutic range. No hemorrhagic complications were observed.