A “STICKY” Situation: Randomized Controlled Trial Investigates Use of Liquid Adhesive to Increase Dressing Adherence & Reduce CVAD FailureCVADs – Essential Devices with High Failure Rates Central venous access devices (CVADs) are essential to the timely and effective treatment of critically ill patients. They deliver lifesaving drugs, nutrition, and blood products. Yet despite their importance,…
Midline Catheters: Past, Present and Future Midline catheters are multi-faceted devices that offer the potential for reduced complication rates compared to other vascular access options. Midline catheters may be appropriate for venous access in patients who: Need prolonged IV therapy Have challenging vascular anatomy due to age or medical history Recent dynamics in the healthcare…
Vascular Access is the most prevalent invasive medical procedure. While serious consequences can occur with this common procedure, ensuring optimal outcomes is possible. Matthew Gibson, RN, CRNI, VA-BC, CPUI recently presented a three-part Wednesday Workshop series, “Stop Struggling with Vascular Access Device Outcomes”. It is Matt’s mission to improve vascular access and infusion practices and…
Vascular Access Device Securement and Dislodgement Most patients will require some form of vascular access care during their hospital stay. In fact, it has been reported that intravenous (IV) access is needed for 60%-90% of acute care patients seen across the nation.1 Best practice guidelines are followed to maximize quality of patient care. These guidelines…
Proper securement is an important component of vascular access device care. There are many options available for securement of intravascular catheters, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The goal of these securement methods is to ensure continued device function and avoid complications associated with motion, such as phlebitis, thrombosis, and infection. Securement methods should…
Edward Korycka, RN has spent 20 of his 30 years in nursing specializing in vascular access. He is an active member of the Association for Vascular Access and Infusion Nurse Society, having served in various leadership positions. In his current role at Access Vascular, Korycka strives to improve patient outcomes by promoting training and support…
Importance of Vascular Access Device (VAD) Securement Following VAD insertion, it is important to take measures to secure the device to the skin to decrease dislodgement risk and prevent catheter movement. Doing so also contributes to VAD longevity and functionality throughout the duration of treatment. The methods used to secure VADs, including peripherally inserted central…
Frequent Dressing Disruptions Vascular access dressing disruptions occur frequently during vascular access device (VAD) maintenance, leading to premature dressing changes. This issue has been examined by multiple studies. According to a study undertaken by Timsit, et al., approximately 67% of central venous catheter (CVC) dressing changes are performed before the planned date.1 This can be…
Are you struggling with maintaining intact vascular access dressings for up to 7 days as recommended by the Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice? If so, consider the use of gum mastic to enhance dressing adherence!1 In the brief video below, S. Matthew Gibson RN, CRNI, VA-BC, CPUI shows the simple application process of Mastisol® Liquid…
Maintaining Dressing Integrity to Prevent Infection Maintaining clean, dry, intact dressings over vascular access devices (VADs) is fundamental to site care. The 2021 Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice recommend that transparent dressings be changed at least every 7 days. However, if the dressing is disrupted ‐ meaning loose, wet, or soiled – the standards recommend…