Almost 70% of hospitalized patients require a peripheral intravenous catheter (PIV), yet up to 69% of PIVs fail prior to completion of therapy, due to reasons such as partial dislodgement or accidental removal. The following study, carried out by the AVATAR (Group in Queensland, found that amongst a wide list of variables, additional securements of PICC lines were associated with less PICC failure.
More specifically, researchers significantly associated additional securement products with fewer issues. These included vein wall irritation/inflammation, blockage, IV fluids entering surrounding tissue, partial dislodgement or accidental removal, leakage, and infection. PICC failure was 17% phlebitis, 14% occlusion/ infiltration, and 10% dislodgement, with some PIVs exhibiting multiple concurrent complications.
The AVATAR (Alliance for Vascular Access Teaching and Research) Group, based in Queensland, is a respected independent research group specializing in highly credible scientific vascular access device research. AVATAR undertakes a significant program of clinical trials, laboratory, systematic review and knowledge translation research. The aim is to improve health services and patient outcomes. Secondly, to rigorously and independently test products and practices. Thirdly, to promote local and global networks.
Our team at PICCsox™ first heard of this study from an oral presentation presented by the AVATAR Group. This took place at the 31st Annual Scientific Meeting of the Association for Vascular Access in September 2017 in Phoenix, Arizona. The AVA meeting is one of the biggest Vascular Access conferences in the world. The world’s leading VA specialists are in attendance.