I refer to INS, Nursing Practice Management, New Occlusion Management Volume 1, number 2 3/2008, pages 4-5.
-not acceptable practice to infuse through a partially occluded port.
-not acceptable to practice to leave an occluded port untreated because another port is patent.
-tight sutures at the exit site should be removed.
What are the merits of securing a chest inserted central line with suture tight enough to partially occlude the distal port?
Art Hansen, RN
There are no merits to such a tight suture. Perhaps I am not understanding your question though. In fact, OSHA has a position apper stating that all sutures should be eliminated when securing all medical catheters. So use of sutures is not recommended due to the high risk of needlestick injuries. Also sutures grow biofilm which can lead to an infection at the insertion site. A manufactured catheter stabilization device is the preferred method for stabilizing all catheters. Lynn
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861
Lynn,
Could you give us a reference where we could find that OSHA position paper?
Darla Tarvin RN VA-BC
Mercy Clermont Hospital
It is a pdf document that can be downloaded at the OSHA website, but there is no specific page. Go to www.osha.gov, and enter Securing Medical Catheters into their search box. You will find this document at the top of the list. Click on it to download the document. Lynn
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861