Key Issues with IV Connectors

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Catheter Occlusions

• Catheter occlusion is the most common noninfectious complication in the long-term use of central venous catheters (CVCs) and occurs in 33% of these catheters. 1
  


• A common cause for catheter occlusion is clotting of blood refluxed into the catheter. Blood reflux occurs when an administration set or syringe is connected to a positive displacement connector or disconnected from a negative displacement connector. 1
  


• Occlusions increase the risk of procedural complications, risk of infections, and costs in hospital time and money. Maintaining the patency of the catheter is a high priority. 2
  

 
Bloodstream Infections 

• Facilities and governments have increased pressure to reduce hospital-acquired infections (HAis).


• It is estimated that central vascular catheters are associated with 248,000 bloodstream infection per year in the US. 4
  


• Development of a catheter-related bloodstream infection (CR-BSI) can increase hospital length of stay by an average of 23 days, and mortality rate by 21.6% which increases total cost of care. 5
  


• As an additional reference the FDA has expressed concern about multiple clinical reports regarding the association of BSls with positive displacement devices. 6
  

 
Connector Failure 

• Connectors not designed to tolerate pressures used for power injection can fail and harm the patient. 3
  


• Failure can delay treatment of patient. 7
  

 
Training Requirements 

• Multiple connectors with varied techniques can cause confusion and increased potential for errors. 8
  


• Ongoing staff turnover requires increased training. 9
  

 

Key Features and Benefits of the One-Link Needle-free IV Connector

†Replace if a pressure over 325 psi is applied to the connector. Flush per organization protocol.
‡Flush with a volume of 10 ml after exposure to blood. Replace if a 10 ml flush cannot be performed.
 
References:

1. Hadaway L. Reopen the pipeline. Nursing. 2005; 35(8): 54-61.


2. Yacopetti N. Central Venous Catheter-Related Thrombosis-A Systematic Review. Journal of Infusion Nursing. July/August 2008; 31(4): 244.


3. Reminders from FDA Regarding Ruptured Vascular Access Devices from Power Injection. www.fda.gov (January 2009).


4. CDC June 2010: Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI) Event.


5. Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council, January 2009, Hospital Acquired Infections in Pennsylvania, Data reporting 2006-2007.


6. FDA Alert Letter: Positive Displacement Needleless Connectors and Bloodstream Infections: Initial Communication. August 11. 2010.


7. Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority Vol 5, No 4-December 2008, CT Contrast Media Power lnfectors Can Rupture Conventional IV Sets.


8. Jarvis W. Choosing the Best Design for Intravenous Needleless Connectors to Prevent Bloodstream Infections. www.infectioncontroltoday.com. posted 7/28/2010.

 

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Australia Baxter Healthcare
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