A PROSPECTIVE CLINICAL COMPARISON OF 2 INTRAVENOUS POLYURETHANE CANNULAE

Tissue irritation, as evidenced by phlebitis, associated with Optiva(T M) (Johnson & Johnson Medical) and Insyte(TM) (Becton Dickinson) polyu rethane cannulae was studied. The integrity of the cannulae on removal , the incidence of infection at the cannula site and the factors which influence phlebitis were also examined. One thousand and eight patien ts had a polyurethane cannula placed for induction of anaesthesia for cardiac surgery, After surgery, the cannula was examined every 24 hour s. If evidence of phlebitis occurred, the cannula was removed and sent for culture. All remaining cannulae were removed at 72 hours and the site examined daily for a further three days. There were 503 Optiva(TM ) and 505 Insyte(TM) cannulae studied. The distributions between the t wo cannulae with respect to patient characteristics, gauge of cannula, number of attempts and difficulty, of insertion, cannula site and ana esthetist inserting were similar. The early removal rate for both grou ps was 47%. Overall phlebitis rate with Optiva(TM) was 31% and Insyte( TM) 33%. This difference is not statistically significant, The cumulat ive phlebitis rate increased with time but did not differ between the two types of cannulae. Minor tip distortion or shaft kinking of the ca nnulae occurred in 16.2% of Optiva(TM) and 23.5% of Insyte(TM). This d ifference is statistically significant and may relate to the slightly more acute taper, at the Optiva(TM) cannula tip, Both cannulae were si milar in clinical performance.