Management of central vein, artery and hemodialysis catheter dressings in ICU

Abstract

Intravascular catheter dressings protect catheters from extra-luminal contamination.

Objective: This review covers catheter dressing principles and proposes catheter dressings strategies in intensive care unit.

Methods: Narrative review

Results: Implementation of protocols for catheter dressings, adapted to guidelines and followed by all the healthcare professionals is key.

Soiled and disrupted dressings should be immediately changed.  Transparents dressing allowing a daily visual inspection of catheter insertion should be privileged.  Planned dressing changes should be performed every 7 days simultaneously with tubing changes. An antisepsis without detersion with 2% alcoholic chlorhexidine is recommended.  Chlrhexidien impregnated gel or chlorhexidine sponges decrease the risk of catheter related infections in ICU. New materials that allow an optimal adherence with a good cutaneous tolerance have been designed and are the subject of ongoing studies.

Conclusion: Improvement of catheter dressing care is a key aspect of catheter-infection prevention policy in ICU patients.