Comparing peripherally inserted central catheter outcomes in adults; a pilot randomised controlled trial

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Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) were developed to provide short to medium term vascular access for patients requiring the infusion of vessel irritant medications, or frequent blood sampling. While PICC’s provide necessary, reliable and accessible vascular access; they are associated with biological, mechanical or infectious complication. These complications result in delayed treatment, need for reinsertion, and delayed treatment of the underlying complication - causing extended admission time, increased healthcare costs, venous depletion and increased morbidity and mortality. Microbial biofilm formation makes treatment of infections more complicated since the detached microbial cells from the biofilm can repeatedly infect the blood, and these microorganisms are highly resistant to many antimicrobial agents, frequently requiring PICC removal and antibiotic treatment. Maintaining catheter function is vital for the safe provision of treatment. BioFlo (trademark) PICC (by Angiondynamics; NY) claims to provide a novel solution and the manufacturers claim the material is resistant to blood products and biofilm development, reducing the risk of standard PICC complications including infection, fracture, thrombosis, leakage, localised swelling, accidental removal and dislodgement . These PICCs are now on the basis of some clinician preference at some Australian facilities. The effectiveness of this product at reducing PICC-associated complications as previously described has not been undertaken. We plan to undertake a randomized controlled trial at the RBWH. Patients who consent to participate in the trial will be randomly assigned to either study group. The primary aim of this research is to evaluate the feasibility of launching a full-scale efficacy trial, using pre-defined feasibility criteria for recruitment, retention and protocol fidelity. The secondary aim is to compare the effectiveness of this new PICC technology compared to older generation PICC relating to failure and complication due to infection, occlusion, dislodgement, thrombosis, or breakage, for adults with PICC in acute care.