Mastisol® Liquid Adhesive: Evidence‐Based Decision Making for the Prevention of Catheter‐Related Blood Stream Infections

The public health burden associated with catheter‐related bloodstream infection (CRBSI*) is substantial. A publication reviewing the qualitative and quantitative evidence supporting the use of Mastisol® Liquid Adhesive for the reduction of CRBSI can be downloaded here. In this blog, we’ll review the important findings detailed in this publication. CRBSI vs CLABSI These two…

Addressing the Dressing: Improving Vascular Access Dressing Disruption

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and The Infusion Nurses Society (INS) agree that vascular access device (VAD) dressing integrity is a critical factor for the prevention of hospital acquired infection. Michelle DeVries, BS, MPH, CIC, VA-BC, Senior Infection Control Officer at Methodist Hospitals, Indiana, reviews current practice guidelines, the emerging literature, and her…

LVADs: Minimizing Driveline Infections at Home

The previous blog of this 2‐part series focused on Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs), including the prevalence of use, the types of patients treated, and the associated risks of LVAD‐associated infections. (View Blog 1 of 2) Part 2 of the series will focus on minimizing driveline infections once the patient goes home. LVADs have revolutionized…

3 Important Scar Management Guidelines

You may remember in the last blog, the considerable number of surgeries performed annually in the US was presented (51.4 million)1, along with the lack of patient satisfaction of scarring after surgeries. Data reviewed revealed that there was a significant amount of patient dissatisfaction with scarring after routine surgeries. Statistics showed that 91% percent of…

Practical Tips for Scar Reduction

Practical Tips for Scar Reduction According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there are over 51.4 million surgeries performed in the US annually1, four million of which are open abdominal surgeries.2 Abdominal surgery skin closures are often performed using staples, which produce track marks and scarring. Without much data available regarding the…