Peripherally inserted central catheters

In order to be included, the study had to be English language, prospective, describe the exact type of IVD, clearly specify the criteria for defining IVD-related BSI and either report the duration of device implantation or present data from which the duration of device implantation could be determined. [...] In 2006, Cancer Care Ontario’s program in Evidence-based Care conducted a systematic review of the literature as part of the development of guidelines for the use of central venous devices in cancer patients.3 One of the questions addressed in their review was the type of catheter that should be used in children and adults with cancer in order to prevent catheter- related intraluminal thrombosis a [...] Catheter-related infection was the only outcome reported in the review and was 16% in the PICC group and 11% in the non-tunnelled Silastic® CVC group. [...] Intraluminal catheter-related thrombosis was the only outcome reported in the study and was 26% in the PICC group and 10% in the comparator group (p < 0.05). [...] Overall, the findings of this review were limited by issues with study design in that the studies were not randomized and selection of the device was by the patient or physician, which may create issues with bias.