Strategies to prevent central venous catheter infection

No matter which venous access device (VAD) is used, the two complications t hat limit their use are thrombosis and infection. Catheter infections resul t in a prolonged in-hospital stay and increased morbidity and mortality. Th is article will review some facts relating to epidemiology, microbiology, m echanisms, and causes of catheter infection. We will then discuss some aspe cts of catheter infections with emphasis on areas in which physicians, nurs es, and technologists should apply their knowledge and expertise to prevent infectious complications and thereby prolong the useful life of a VAD.