Prevention and Treatment of Vascular Access Occlusion [virtual]

Safe and reliable vascular access serves as the cornerstone for medication administration and the regular monitoring of patients in modern health care. However, despite their ubiquity and necessity, vascular access devices are not without risks or complications. Various strategies have been employed to prevent or mitigate intravenous catheter-related complications, including optimizing patency through continuous infusion or intermittent flushes with normal saline, heparin, antibiotics, and/or ethanol locks; less frequent catheter and infusion set changes; the use of in-line filters; and the establishment of designated intravenous therapy teams. Despite these interventions, peripheral intravenous catheters exhibit a failure rate of 20–69% due to occlusion, while central venous catheters' failure rate due to occlusion ranges from 15% to 66%, depending on the type of device, the clinical setting, and the patient population. Repeated catheter insertions necessitated by failed catheters result in multiple penetrations of the skin barrier, increased patient discomfort, extended staff time, and an elevated risk of infection from skin commensals. Such infections can be life-threatening for chronically and critically ill patients. Therefore, methods capable of prolonging the viability of both peripheral and central venous catheters hold significant potential for improving patient outcomes and the quality of care provided by health care organizations. This presentation will delve into current research on the risk and prevalence of complications associated with vascular access devices as well as the current evidence pertaining to flushing, locking, and occlusion management.

Learning Objectives:  At the conclusion of the session, participants will be able to:

  1. Understand the risks associated with vascular access insertion and utilization.
  2. Identify the contributing factors to vascular access device occlusion and failure.
  3. Describe current practices and available products used to mitigate the risks of vascular access occlusion and failure.

Contact Hours: 1
CRNI® RUs: 2

Samantha Keogh, PhD, BSc(hon), RN, FACN, IC Cert

Samantha Keogh is a joint professor of acute and critical care nursing with the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Australia. Samantha is also a senior researcher with QUT’s Centre for Healthcare Transformation and the Alliance for Vascular Access Teaching and Research (AVATAR). Her clinical background is in intensive care (adult and pediatric), so she understands the importance of vascular access to deliver essential medication, fluids, and blood products, as well as to facilitate vital monitoring and sampling. Samantha is a fellow of the Australian College of Nursing (ACN) plus a member of several other specialty-based colleges, societies, and networks, including the Australasian Nursing and Midwifery Clinical Trials Network (ANMCTN), a network developed to support, mentor, and accelerate growth in nursing and midwifery clinical trials capability and capacity across Australia.

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Live event: 05/19/2024 at 2:30 PM (EDT) You must register to access.
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