ABSTRACT
Central venous catheters are essential for the care of the critically ill patient. Mechanical and infectious complications are the most common complications associated with central venous catheterization. Early efforts to reduce catheter infection included scheduled removal and reinsertion of the catheter at a different site and/or scheduled exchange of the catheter for a new one over a guidewire. Although initial reports touted the efficacy of these approaches, neither strategy was found to be helpful in reducing central line–associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). A simple educational program provided to interns was found to be effective in reducing the incidence of these infections. Use of maximum barrier precautions, where the proceduralist wears a cap and mask and sterile gown and gloves, and the patient is covered with a drape that covers the entire body, reduced the incidence of CLABSIs in outpatient cancer patients.
