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The trust that physicians and nurses place in ARROWg⁺ard^® antimicrobial-impregnated central venous catheters is backed up by over 30 studies, clinical trials and meta-analyses. No other company's catheter has such a strong track record and broad-spectrum activity.

Following is a list of the major studies with synopses that analyze:

• ARROWg⁺ard’s patented combination of chlorhexidine and silver sulfadiazine
• ARROWg⁺ard Blue catheters (impregnated with chlorhexidine and silver sulfadiazine on external surfaces)
• ARROWg⁺ard Blue PLUS^® catheters (impregnated on both external and internal surfaces)

Study topics range from prevention of CRBSI and efficacy versus uncoated catheters to reducing rates of CRBSI and compatibility of ARROWg⁺ard with parenteral medications.

Efficacy of antiseptic-impregnated central venous catheters in preventing catheter-related bloodstream infection: a meta-analysis. Journal of American Medical Association. January 1999; 281(no.3): 261-267. Veenstra D, Saint S, Saha S, et al.

A meta-analysis of 12 studies for catheter colonization, including a total of 2611 catheters, and 11 studies for catheter-related bloodstream infections, including a total of 2,603 catheters, was conducted to quantitatively assess the efficacy of chlorhexidine-silver sulfadiazine impregnated central venous catheters. The meta-analytical techniques used provided a framework to evaluate merits of ARROWg⁺ard Blue^® technology in an unbiased manner. The meta-analysis concluded that central venous catheters impregnated with a combination of chlorhexidine and silver sulfadiazine appear to be effective in reducing both catheter colonization and catheter-related BSI in patients at high risk for catheter related infections. There was an approximately 50% catheter colonization decrease and approximately 60% decrease in CVC-related BSI when ARROWg⁺ard Blue^® was used.

Prevention of central venous catheter-related bloodstream infection by use of an antiseptic-impregnated catheter: a randomized, controlled trial. Annals of Internal Medicine. 1997; 128(no.4): 257-266. Maki D, Stolz S, Wheeler S, et al.

Standard triple-lumen polyurethane catheters and chlorhexidine and silver sulfadiazine impregnated catheters were inserted in 158 adult surgical-medical intensive care patients. At removal, local and system effects were assessed. Catheter Colonization rates: SCVC = 24.1 per 100 catheters: ACVC=13.5 per 100 catheters. BSI: SCVC = 7.6 per 1000 catheter days; ACVC=1.6 per 1000 catheter days. It was concluded that the time noncuffed central venous catheters can be safely left in place is extended with impregnated catheters.

Use of an antiseptic-impregnated central venous catheter for the prevention of catheter-related infections: results of a prospective, randomized trial. CHEST. In Press. Collin G.

Antiseptic-impregnated catheters and non-impregnated catheters were placed in two groups of patients comparable in age, sex, major diagnosis, etc. The AIC had a statistically significant lower infection rate (2.0% AIC vs. 18% NIC).

Antiseptic-impregnated central venous catheters reduce the incidence of bacterial colonization and associated infection in immunocompromised transplant patients. European Journal of Anaesthesiology. 1997; 14. George S, Vuddamalay P, Boscoe M.

Thoracic organ transplant patients received either a standard polyurethane catheter or a catheter impregnated with silver sulfadiazine and chlorhexidine. Bacterial colonization occurred in 10 of 44 impregnated catheters and in 25 of 35 standard catheters. Concomitant infection by the same organism at another site also was significantly reduced in the impregnated-catheter patients.

Retention of antibacterial activity and bacterial colonization of antiseptic-bonded central venous catheters. J of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. 1996; 37: 315-322. Bach A, Schmidt H, Bottiger B, et al.

A total of 116 ARROWg⁺ard Blue^® catheters were tested for antibacterial activity in an in-vitro bioassay after various periods of i.v. catheterization. The silver sulfadiazine and chlorhexidine impregnated catheters were effective in reducing bacterial colonization, which was significantly lower and occurred less frequently.

Antiseptic-impregnated non-tunneled central venous catheters: reducing infection risks and associated costs. Dialysis & Transplantation. November 1996; 25(no.11): 784-798.
Civetta J.

363 antiseptic-impregnated catheters and 362 standard CVCs with similar dwell time were compared for colonization, significant pathogens, pharmacy costs per patient and total hospital charges per patient. There was significantly less colonization and presence of pathogens and significant dollar savings in patients with the antiseptic-impregnated catheters.

Decreasing catheter-related infection and hospital costs by continuous quality improvement. Crit Care Med. 1996; 24(no.10): 1660-1665. Civetta J, Hudson-Civetta J, Ball S.

The use of chlorhexidine skin preparation, ARROWg⁺ard Blue^® catheters and substituting suspected catheter sepsis for fever as a guide wire exchange indication was studied as a way to reduce the rate of catheter-related infection, patient risks and hospital costs. This method significantly decreased the rate of catheter-related infection and increased the duration of catheterization, decreasing the number of catheters used, resulting in an approximate cost savings of $210 per patient or a total cost savings of $4750 per month.

Impact of chlorhexidine-silver sulfadiazine-impregnated central venous catheters on in vitro quantifications of catheter-associated bacteria. J of Clinical Microbiology. March 1996; 34(no.3):508-511. Schmitt S, Knapp C, Hall G, et al.

Central venous catheters impregnated with silver sulfadiazine and chlorhexidine and standard catheters were investigated in an in vitro assay. After 24 hours of incubation, the impregnated catheter was surrounded by a well-defined zone of inhibition, while the non-impregnated catheter was not.

Decreased bacterial adherence and biofilm formation on chlorhexidine and silver sulfadiazine-impregnated central venous catheters implanted in swine. Crit Care Med. May 1995; 23(no.5): 894-900. Greenfeld J, Sampath L, Popilskis S, et al.

Non-impregnated control and ARROWg⁺ard Blue^® catheters were inserted intravascularly into swine for 7 days. The catheters were then assessed for bacterial adherence and biofilm formation. The ARROWg⁺ard Blue^® catheters prevented bacterial adherence and biofilm formation, which was evident on the controls, and produced no local or systemic toxicity.

Infection resistance of surface modified catheters with either short-lived or prolonged activity. J of Hospital Infection. 1995; 30: 201-210. Sampath L, Chodhury N, Caraos L et al.

Using a rat subcutaneous model, ARROWg⁺ard Blue^® catheters were compared with benzalkonium chloride-heparin bonded, hydrophilic coated and control catheters to determine efficacy in reducing the risk of colonization and infection. ARROWg⁺ard Blue^® catheters were colonized in only 19% of the animals compared to 100% with the other catheters, which also had significant bacterial adherence on their surface. Investigators concluded that the efficacy of ARROWg⁺ard Blue^® catheters may be due to the initial high rate of kill and prolonged antimicrobial activity.

Central venous pressure (CVP) catheter-related bacteremia in the intensive care units (ICU). Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology. April 1995; 16(no.4, pt.2): 38. Jendresky L and Angus G.

Routine surveillance of CVP catheter-related bacteremia in the ICU was performed for a period of one year. After review of CVP catheter practice and procedure, corrective actions were taken to include multidisciplinary procedures on CVP insertion, line changes, dressing and culturing techniques, a new dressing kit and the use of ARROWg⁺ard Blue^® catheters. These changes resulted in a significant decrease in CVP-related bacteremia and femoral line-related infection, and a decrease in length of stay, mortality and morbidity in the ICU.

Chlorhexidine silver sulfadiazine coated catheters: effect of duration of catheterization on in vitro antimicrobial activity. Crit Care Med. January 1995; 23 (no.1, suppl): A172. Wagle M, Brueggemann A, Doern G, et al.

ARROWg⁺ard Blue^® catheters were evaluated for duration of antimicrobial activity after removal from patients. There was approximately a 50% decline in in vitro inhibition of growth after 4 days, with little decline in growth inhibition thereafter. An ARROWg⁺ard Blue^® catheter in place for 23 days still showed antimicrobial activity.

Impact of antiseptic impregnation on central venous catheter associated bloodstream infections. Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology. April 1995; 15(no.4, pt 2.): 24. Raymond N and Steinberg J.

Over five years, ARROWg⁺ard Blue^® catheters were phased in and then used exclusively: period 1, non-impregnated catheters only; period 2, both available; period 3, ARROWg⁺ard Blue^® only. A significant reduction in catheter-related bloodstream infections was seen from period 1 to period 3, with a twofold reduction associated with the use of ARROWg⁺ard Blue^®.

Efficacy of antiseptic impregnated central venous catheters (CVCS) in reducing the rate of bloodstream infections (BSIS) in intensive care units (ICUS) of a tertiary referral hospital. Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology. April 1995; 16(no.4 pt.2): 24. Lovell R, Corbett J and Lowery G.

For a period of one year, the rate of BSIs for all adults in the ICU was 8.1/1000 catheter-days. During this time, maximal sterile barriers were employed. ARROWg⁺ard Blue^® catheters were then used over the next 12-month period with a decrease in the BSI rate to 5.2/1000 catheter days. The surgical ICU decreased BSI’s from 8.9 to 4.2 BSI/1000 catheter-days. Over a two-year period, a significant 36% decrease in the BSI rate was realized in all adult ICU’s is a result of
the use of the antiseptic impregnated CVC’s.

Examination of antimicrobial coated central venous catheters in patients at high risk for catheter-related infections in a medical intensive care unit and leukemia/bone marrow transplant unit. Crit Care Med. January 1995; 23(no.1, suppl): A152. Trazzera S, Stern G, Bhardwaj R, et al.

ARROWg⁺ard Blue^® catheters were compared with standard central venous catheter duration of insertion and catheter-related sepsis in a group at high risk for catheter-related infections. Catheter colonization rates were significantly higher in the standard group despite a 67% increase in duration of insertion for the ARROWg⁺ard Blue^® group. The investigators concluded that ARROWg⁺ard Blue^® catheters can be left in place for a significantly longer duration without an increase in catheter-related sepsis, and considering the morbidity, mortality and high cost of treating catheter related sepsis, ARROWg⁺ard Blue^® should be the catheter of choice in this high risk group.

Reduction of bacterial colonization of triple-lumen catheters with antiseptic bonding in septic patients. Anesthesiology. September 1994; 81 (no. 3A): A261. Bach A, Bohrer H, Bottiger B, et al.

Twenty-six postoperative septic patients were randomized to receive either an ARROWg⁺ard Blue^® or an untreated triple-lumen catheter. After 7 days the silver sulfadiazine and chlorhexidine impregnated catheters showed significant reduction of bacterial colonization of the intravascular catheter segment in septic critical care patients. This study of septic critical care patients suggests that the use of antiseptic-bonded catheters can reduce secondary catheter related
infections by inhibiting bacterial colonization from a primary septic focus.

Prevention of bacterial colonization of intravenous catheters by antiseptic impregnation of polyurethane polymers. J of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. 1994; 33: 969-978. Bach A, Bohrer H, Motsch J, et al.

Rats were implanted with antiseptic-impregnated catheters and non-antiseptic-impregnated catheters. The rate and magnitude of bacterial colonization was assessed after 3 and 7 days. After 3 and 7 days, the magnitude of bacterial colonization was significantly lower with the antiseptic impregnated catheters.

Does modification of the catheter surface affect the infection rate of triple-lumen catheters? Chest. August 94;106(suppl): 176S. Appavu, McKinney G, Bonness M, et al.

Critically ill patients receiving their first CVC’s were randomly assigned to receive a standard triple-lumen catheter (group I), a hydrophilic catheter (group II) or an ARROWg⁺ard Blue^® catheter (group III). The longest stay for an uninfected catheter was 14 days for group I, 19 days for group II and 21 days for group III. Investigators concluded that the ARROWg⁺ard Blue^® catheters have the lowest infection rate and remain uninfected for the longest period.

Response to a letter to the editor. JAMA. December 1994; 272(no.23): 1820. Pittet D.

In Reply — Dr. Heiselman correctly notes that nosocomial bloodstream infections from IV lines can be associated with significant morbidity and economic burden; he also stresses the fact that appropriate time of replacement or removal of IV lines is essential for preventing secondary bloodstream infection. In our study population, IV lines were responsible for at least 20 (23%) of the 86 episodes of bloodstream infection. The attributable mortality from the infection in this subpopulation was 25% (nine cases vs four controls died). When only matched case-control pairs who survived bloodstream infection (n=11) were considered among patients with infections of IV line origin, cases stayed an additional 6.5 days in the surgical care unit (SICU) (median stay, 15.5 days for cases vs 9 days for controls); extra costs attributable to the infection averaged $28,690 per survivor.

Nosocomial bloodstream infection in critically ill patients: excess length of stay, extra costs, and attributable mortality. JAMA. May 25, 1994; 271(no.20): 1598-1601. Pittet D, Tarara D and Wenzel P.

All patients admitted to a surgical ICU for a one-year period were studied. Nosocomial bloodstream infections complicated 2.67/100 admissions. The attributable mortality rate was high in critically ill patients. Infection doubled the surgical ICU stay, with an excess length of hospital stay of 24 days in survivors and a significant economic burden.

Comparison of catheter-related bacteremias using chlorhexidine/silver sulfadiazine impregnated central venous catheters (CSIC) versus non-impregnated catheters (NIC). Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology. April 1994; 15(no.4, pt. 2, suppl): 24. Pfeiffer J, Bennet M and Simpson M.

For a six-month period, only ARROWg⁺ard Blue^® catheters were used in the ICU, with only one bacteremia occurring for 448 catheters compared to 21 nosocomial infections with 839 non-impregnated catheters. Sixty charts were audited with no clinical evidence of catheter-related infection and on 20 catheter tips cultured, there was no growth. Average cost saved during the trial was $50,000.

Prevention of catheter-related infections by antiseptic bonding. J of Surg Research. 1993; 55: 640-646. Bach A, Bohrer H, Motsch J, et al.

In 40 laboratory rats, ARROWg⁺ard Blue^® and control catheters were implanted and assessed after either 3 or 7 days. The data obtained suggest that ARROWg⁺ard Blue^® catheters may substantially decrease the magnitude of catheter-related microbial colonization and subsequent catheter-related infections.

Prevention of catheter-related colonization by silver-sulfadiazine-chlorhexidine (SSC) bonding: results of a pilot study in critical care patients. Program & Abstracts of the ICAAC, American Society of Microbiology. October 1993. Abstract 1621. Bach A, Geiss M, Geiss K, et al.

In 40 postoperative cardiac surgical patients, either ARROWg⁺ard Blue^® or untreated single-lumen catheters were inserted into the jugular veins, removed after seven days, divided into intracutaneous and intravenous segments and cultured. There was a significantly lower incidence and level of bacterial colonization of catheter tips (intravenous) with the ARROWg⁺ard Blue^® patients. The researchers concluded that migration of bacteria along the catheter into the bloodstream can be diminished by antiseptic bonding.

Prevention of central venous catheter-associated infection in burn patients with antiseptic catheter and Vitacuff^®. Presentation at the American Burn Association 25th Annual Meeting, Cincinnati, OH. 1993. Leclair J, Markmann, D, Meek M, et al.

Triple lumen antiseptic impregnated catheters with VitaCuff^® not routinely exchanged over a guide wire and standard triple-lumen catheters exchanged over a guide wire were investigated in burn patients. It was concluded that antiseptic-VC catheters are associated with a decreased incidence of catheter colonization and appear to be associated with a reduced incidence of BSI. BSI/1000 catheter days: Antiseptic-VC = 2/267 (7.5%), SC =13/583 (22.3%).

Surface antimicrobial activity of heparin-bonded and antiseptic-impregnated vascular catheters. J of Infectious Diseases. 1993; 167: 920-924. Mermel L, Stolz S and Maki D.

Heparin-bonded pulmonary artery catheters and ARROWg⁺ard Blue^® catheters were investigated in an in vitro assay.The ARROWg⁺ard Blue^® catheters exhibited greater antimicrobial activity against a wide variety of potential pathogens. When exposed to serum for 24 hours, heparin bonded catheters lost >50% of their antimicrobial activity, while ARROWg⁺ard Blue^® catheters were minimally affected.

A study of an antiseptic impregnated central venous catheter for prevention of bloodstream infection. Program and Abstracts of the 33rd ICAAC, American Society of Microbiology. October 1993. Abstract 1624. Clemence M, Jernigan J, Titus M, et al.

For over a period of one year, patients in medical and intensive care units received ARROWg⁺ard Blue^® catheters unless they were sulfa allergic or already had a CVC in place. A 60% reduction in the rate of primary bloodstream infections was realized in the ICUs while the rate in the rest of the hospital remained constant.

A controlled trial of scheduled replacement of central venous and pulmonary-artery catheters. New England J of Med. October 8, 1992; 327: 1062-1068. Cobb D, High K, Sawyer G, et al.

One-hundred and sixty intensive care unit patients were assigned randomly to undergo one of four methods of catheter exchange: replacement every three days either by insertion at a new site; by exchange over a guide wire; replacement when clinically indicated either by insertion at a new site or by exchange over a guide wire. The results indicated that routine replacement of CVCs every 3 days does not prevent infection and exchanging catheters with guide wires
increases the risk of bloodstream infection, but replacement at new sites increases the risk of mechanical complications.

Development and evaluation of a new polyurethane central venous antiseptic catheter: reducing central venous catheter infections. Infections in Medicine. June 1992; 9: 23-29. Modak S and Sampath L.

ARROWg⁺ard Blue^® and unimpregnated control catheters were subcutaneously implanted in rats, followed by contamination of the insertion site. The degree of contamination was significantly lower in the ARROWg⁺ard Blue^® group, with only 20% colonization after 10 days, compared to 100% in the control group.

ARROWg⁺ard^® antiseptic surface—toxicology review. Monograph. Reading, PA: Arrow International, Inc. 1992. Farber T.

Although hypersensitivity reactions are known to occur when patients are exposed to silver sulfadiazine and chlorhexidine, only minute quantities of these agents are released from the antiseptic catheter. Thus, the possibility that such reactions would occur through the use of this catheter is quite remote. Allergic reactions to silver are rare and are associated with a long duration of exposure at levels considerably higher than that seen with this antiseptic catheter. Hypersensitivity reaction to sulfadiazine is seen in 1-2% of patients. Sulfonamide sensitivity reactions are least likely to develop if the daily dose of sulfonamide is below 2 grams or blood levels are below 5000 ug/dl. The level of sulfadiazine in the blood of catheterized patients would not exceed 8 ug/dl in a worst-case scenario, i.e., if all the sulfadiazine in the catheter was released all at once and distribution of the sulfadiazine to other body compartments did not occur. Thus, there is little or no theoretical likelihood that patients would be sensitive to this level of exposure. Lastly, no adverse effects of a toxicologic nature have been associated with the clinical use of this antiseptic catheter in spite of the fact that the catheter has been placed in patients sensitive to sulfonamides but who were unaware of their sensitivity.

Are antibacterially impregnated catheters cost effective? Crit Care Med. 24(suppl, no.1). Booth F, Cohen I, Kerins R, et al.

Over a period of eight months, 363 ARROWg⁺ard Blue^® catheters and 362 non-impregnated catheters were inserted into patients. When hospital charges were compared between the two groups, despite lack of demographic differences, overall charges were significantly less for the ARROWg⁺ard Blue^® The use of impregnated triple-lumen central venous catheters (IC) is associated with both a reduction in pharmacy charges of $1221.00 and in hospital charges of over $8000.00 per patient. If substantiated, these observations imply a potential annual saving of (360x8000x3) or over $8000.00 for an incremental expenditure of $50,000.00.

Incidence of catheter colonization and catheter-related infection with an antiseptic impregnated triple-lumen catheter. Crit Care Med. 22(no.1, suppl): A115. Ramsay J, Nolte F. and Schwarzmann S.

Patients without neutropenia or suspected bloodstream infection were randomized to receive an ARROWg⁺ard Blue^® or a standard triple-lumen catheter. No routine catheter changes were permitted and, after removal, the distal 5cm and intracutaneous segments of the catheters were cultured and peripheral blood cultures for suspected bacteremia were done. Hospital wide, significantly fewer ARROWg⁺ard Blue^® catheters were colonized and there were fewer catheter-related bloodstream infections.

Prolonged antimicrobial activity of a catheter containing chlorhexidine-silver sulfadiazine extends protection against catheter infections in vivo. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy 2001; 45 (no.5):1535-1538. Bassetti SM, Hu J, D'Agostino RB, and Shererta RJ.

This study evaluated the relative efficacy of an experimental anti-infective central venous catheter manufactured by Arrow International in preventing infection by Staphylococcus aureus in catheterizations of long duration, as compared to a first-generation anti-infective catheter. Researchers looked at whether the higher chlorhexidine content of the new catheter, as well as its extended release design, would prolong the catheter's antimicrobial activity. The experimental catheter [ARROWg⁺ard Blue^® PLUS] was impregnated with three times the chlorhexidine content of a conventional ARROWg⁺ard Blue^® catheter. Although the zone of inhibition around the experimental catheter was only slightly smaller than that around the conventional catheter, the experimental catheter produced a much longer half-life of microbial activity, both in vitro (34 vs. 6 days) and in vivo 7 vs. 2 days). The greater efficacy of the highchlorhexidine catheter was especially pronounced when inoculation of S. aureus was delayed by 2 days. The extended anti-infective activity on the external surface of the new catheter from Arrow International offers immediate efficacy in preventing infection, especially in catheterizations of longer duration.

Evaluation of a triple-lumen central venous heparin-coated catheter versus a catheter coated with chlorhexidine and silver sulfadiazine in critically ill patients. Intensive Care Medicine. 2004; 30 (no.4):633-8. Carrasco MN, Bueno A, de las Cuevas C, Jimenez S, Salinas I, Sartorius A, Recio T, Generelo M, Ruiz-Ocana F.

Researchers investigated catheter colonization and catheter-related bloodstream infections in 260 tri-lumen central venous catheters placed in 180 ICU patients. This was the first study to examine the relative efficacy of heparin-coated catheters and catheters coated with chlorhexidine and silver sulfadiazine. The incidence of colonization was 23.5 and 11.5 episodes of catheter colonization per 1,000 catheter-days, respectively, for heparin-coated catheters and Arrow's silver sulfadiazine-coated catheters. The incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infections per 1,000 catheter-days was 3.24 in heparin-coated catheters and 2.6 in chlorhexidine and silver sulfadiazine-coated catheters. The study showed a substantially lower rate of colonization (particularly by fungi and gram-positive cocci) in Arrow chlorhexidine and silver sulfadiazine-coated catheters as compared to heparin-coated catheters.

Decreasing catheter colonization through the use of an antiseptic-impregnated catheter: a continuous quality improvement project. Chest. 1999; 115 (no.6):1632-40. Collin GR.

In a two-phase clinical trial, researchers evaluated the effectiveness of the ARROWg⁺ard^® antiseptic-impregnated catheter (AIC) vs. a non-impregnated catheter (NIC) in preventing catheter colonization and catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) in trauma patients. Results showed that 25 of the 139 NICs placed in 60 patients became colonized, compared to colonization of just 2 of the 98 AICs placed in 55 other patients. The colonization rates were 24.68/1,000 catheter days in the NIC group and 2.27/1,000 catheter days in the AIC group. The CRBSI rates were 3.9.5/1,000 catheter days (NIC) and 1.14/1,000 catheter days (AIC). After hospital policy was updated to require the use of ARROWg⁺ard^® AICs in all trauma patients, researchers assessed the effectiveness of this change in reducing infection. In the 213 AICs placed in 101 patients, the colonization rate was 3.8/100 catheters (4.52/1,000 catheter days), and the CRBSI rate was 1.0/100 catheters (0.6/1,000 catheter days). The use of ARROWg⁺ard^® AICs yielded an 89% reduction in catheter colonization and a 71% reduction in CRBSI.

Comparison of microbial adherence to antiseptic and antibiotic central venous catheters using a novel agar subcutaneous infection model. Journal of Antimicrobial Chemotherapy. 2003; 52 (no.3):389-396. Gaonkar TA and SM Modak.

In order to circumvent the problems associated with in vivo animal studies, researchers developed an agar subcutaneous infection model t simulates the rat subcutaneous infection model, for use in evaluating the effectiveness of antimicrobial catheters. The study examined the efficacy against several bacteria strains of ARROWg⁺ard^® chlorhexidine and silver sulfadiazine impregnated catheters; ARROWg⁺ard^® chlorhexidine and silver sulfadiazine impregnated catheters with higher levels of chlorhexidine; minocycline-rifampicin (MR) catheters; and silver catheters. ARROWg⁺ard^® catheters were superior to the other types in preventing adherence, colonization, and subsequent infection, particularly when compared to minocycline-rifampicin catheters and silver catheters. The new agar model accurately predicts the in vivo efficacy of antimicrobial catheters in preventing infection.

Preventing complications of central venous catheterization. New England Journal of Medicine. 2003; 348 (no.12):1123-1133. McGee, DC and MK Gould.

This review of methods to prevent complications of central venous catheterization recommends that antimicrobial catheters be considered in all cases where catheterization is required. The authors note that AICs are especially effective when the institutional rate of catheter-related bloodstream infections is higher than 2%; this is the threshold at which chlorhexidine-and-silver-sulfadiazine-impregnated catheters may reduce overall costs. Clinical studies show that the use of catheters impregnated with chlorhexidine and silver sulfadiazine lowers the rate of catheter-related bloodstream infections from 7.6 infections per 1000 catheter-days (4.6% of catheters) to 1.6 infections per 1000 catheter-days (1.0%). A cost-effectiveness study showed that using these anti-infective catheters would decrease direct medical costs by $196 per catheter inserted.

In vitro and in vivo efficacy of catheters impregnated with antiseptics or antibiotics: evaluation of the risk of bacterial resistance to the antimicrobials in the catheters. Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology . 2001; 22 (no.10):640-6. Sampath LA, Tambe SM, Modak SM.

This trial evaluated the efficacy of an antiseptic catheter containing silver sulfadiazine and chlorhexidine on the external surface and chlorhexidine in the lumens (ARROWg⁺ard Blue Plus^®) as compared to an antibiotic catheter impregnated with minocycline and rifampin on its external and luminal surfaces. The ARROWg⁺ard Blue Plus antiseptic catheter was shown to be more effective than the antibiotic catheter in controlling infection by Candida species and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. In addition, ARROWg⁺ard Blue Plus antiseptic catheter was more effective when challenged by antibiotic-resistant organisms.

Safety and efficacy of an improved antiseptic catheter impregnated intraluminally with chlorhexidine. Journal of Infusion Nursing. 2001; 24 (no.6):395-403. Sampath LA, Saborio DV, Yaron I, Modak S.

Investigators examined the safety and efficacy of the ARROWg⁺ard Blue Plus^® compared to a standard antiseptic catheter. In both in vitro and in vivo studies, ARROWg⁺ard Blue Plus^® was shown to be significantly more effective in preventing luminal colonization than a standard antiseptic catheter. Colonization in untreated control catheters was measured at 67% and in standard antiseptic catheters at 40%; however, none of the ARROWg⁺ard Blue Plus^® catheters became colonized. This success is attributed to increased levels of chlorhexidine on the outer surface and the introduction of chlorhexidine on the luminal surfaces. The higher levels of chlorhexidine on the outer surfaces make ARROWg⁺ard Blue Plus^® especially effective in preventing infections in long-term catheterization (³ 14 days).

Evaluation of antiseptic-impregnated central venous catheters for prevention of catheter-related infection in intensive care unit patients. Diagnostic Microbiology and Infectious Disease. 2000; 38 (no.1):1-5. Sheng WH, Ko WJ, Wang JT, Chang SC, Hsueh PR, Luh KT.

An investigation of 235 catheterizations in surgical intensive care units showed that Arrow antiseptic catheters impregnated with chlorhexidine and silver sulfadiazine provided safe protection against catheter-related infections. In the control group of standard catheters, the colonization rate was 20 per 100 catheters, vs. a rate of 8 per 100 for the group that used Arrow antiseptic catheters. Compared to the control group, the antiseptic catheters were five times less likely to produce catheter-related infection. The Arrow catheters were especially effective against colonization by gram-positive cocci and fungi.

Adequacy of a new chlorhexidine-bearing polyurethane central venous catheter for administration of 82 selected parenteral drugs. Annals of Pharmacotherapy. 2000; 34 (no.10):1109-16. Xu QA, Zhang Y, Trissel LA, Gilbert DL.

This study examined the effectiveness of the ARROWg⁺ard Blue Plus^® antiseptic central venous catheter in delivering 82 parenteral medications. Researchers evaluated whether the antiinfective agents in the catheter compromised the delivery or effectiveness of the drugs in question, and whether the medications affected the amount of chlorhexidine removed from the internal lumens and delivered to the patient. Most of the drugs were delivered in excess of 97% of their initial concentrations, demonstrating that drug interactions are unlikely. None of the 82 medications caused substantial increases in chlorhexidine removal and delivery.

Activity of antibacterial impregnated central venous catheters against Klebsiella pneumoniae. Intensive Care Medicine. 2002; 28(no.4):438-42. Yorganci K, Krepel C, Weigelt JA, Edmiston CE.

This in vitro study assessed the performance of antiseptic catheters in reducing adherence, persistence, and colonization of Klebsiella pneumoniae. Researchers found that the ARROWg⁺ard Blue Plus^® catheter demonstrated stronger bactericidal properties when compared to other types of catheters. In addition, the ARROWg⁺ard Blue Plus^® significantly reduced bacterial colonization due to its ability to inhibit adherence and persistence of infectious organisms. ARROWg⁺ard Blue Plus^® is effective in eliminating K. pneumoniae from its surfaces for at least 21 days.

See if you can
tell catheter
fact from fiction

Silver-coated catheters
are excellent at preventing bloodstream infection.

TRUE | FALSE

From cost savings to Candida, Catheter Mythbusters separates
fact from folklore.