Modern Vascular Access with Dr. Jack LeDonne – Recommendations to Improve Site Care & Maintenance

Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSIs) are deadly, associated with 12 to 25% mortality among the critical care patient population.1  Published guidance for preventing CRBSIs recommends a bundled approach for eliminating known risks. Multiple organizations, including the CDC, have published evidence based guidelines for preventing CRBSIs.2  However, little has changed regarding device care and maintenance. Jack LeDonne,…

Improving Vascular Access Dressing Integrity with Gum Mastic Adhesive

Central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) occurrence is arguably 100% preventable, yet central venous access device (CVAD) related infections have a 12-25% mortality rate in the ICU setting1. One to 2 of every 8 patients who develop CLABSI don’t survive. In the webinar, 18 Months of Sticking to it: Dedicated team site care using gum mastic…

Unplanned Extubations in the ICU Put Patients and Providers at Risk

ICU admissions in hospitals across the US have skyrocketed amidst the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Recent reports indicate that severe hypoxic respiratory failure requiring mechanical ventilation is the most common reason a COVID-19 patient is admitted to the ICU.1  While projections have varied widely, worst-case scenario estimates by the American Hospital Association cite a potential impact…

Stories from the Community Meet Swapna Kakani: Short Bowel Syndrome Warrior

Swapna Kakani was diagnosed at birth with a rare chronic disease, Short Bowel Syndrome. For 27 years, Swapna has lived with supplemental intravenous nutrition and a feeding tube (from 0-24 she had a gastrostomy tube and from 24 onwards she has had an ileostomy). She has undergone several surgeries at multiple hospitals throughout the United…

Stories from the Community Meet Isabelle Edwards: Type 2 Diabetes & Gastroperisis Warrior

Isabelle Edwards is known across the internet as the Diabetes Diva, and if you ever have the privilege of meeting her, you will understand why! Isabelle lives with Type 2 Diabetes, but her enthusiasm for life, her kindness, and her glamour are what you remember after spending time with her. She is a fierce advocate…

Stories from the Community Meet Emily Levy: Lyme disease, POTS, CIDP, and Hashimoto’s Warrior

When Emily Levy was a sophomore in college, she was diagnosed with neurological Lyme disease and required a PICC to facilitate her treatment. This PICC was the first of many vascular access devices Emily has depended on and, unfortunately, Lyme was only the first of many diagnoses to come. Despite facing long term illness and…

Reducing CLABSI and MARSI Risk Through Improved Vascular Access Dressing Integrity

Vascular Access Dressing Adherence and Hospital-acquired Infections Central venous access device (CVAD) related infections have a 12‐25% mortality in ICU populations. [1] Due to dressing disruption, central line‐associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) may occur. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Infusion Nurses Society (INS) agree that vascular access device (VAD) dressing…

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3 Questions with Michelle Devries MPH, CIC, VA-BC

We are excited to launch a new production, a video series entitled, “3 Questions With…” 3 Questions With… features some of the finest thought leaders in healthcare specialties such as Infection Prevention, Vascular Access, Surgical Care and more. These experts answer questions on the latest insights, evidence and current practices. For our premier 3 Questions…

Surgical Scars: Prevalence and Importance of Prevention

Each year in the US more than 50 million surgeries are performed.1 Treatment of resulting surgical scars has driven decades of research, and it is estimated that in the US $20 billion per year is spent on scar treatment and management.2 Patients have made it clear that they are highly concerned about scarring after surgery…

Quality Improvement Initiative Findings: Vascular Access Device Dressing Adhesion and Infection Rates

Vascular Access Devices and Dressing Adherence The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and The Infusion Nurses Society (INS) agree that vascular access device (VAD) dressing integrity is a critical factor for the prevention of hospital‐ acquired infection. [1,2] In fact, dressing disruption is a major risk factor for central line‐associated bloodstream infections…