Catheter-related sepsis: Prospective, randomized study of three methods of long-term catheter maintenance

With strict aseptic protocol, CRS is not affected by the method of long-term catheter maintenance in critically ill surgical patients. The chance of a patient developing catheter sepsis is 0.3% to 0.5%/catheter/day, irrespective of the management means. Insertion, reinsertion, and all aspects of catheter care are potentially morbid and expensive. The data support general guidelines of no catheter change unless clearly indicated, and of change by GWX unless the skin site is infected.