When Emily Levy was a sophomore in college, she was diagnosed with neurological Lyme disease and required a PICC to facilitate her treatment. This PICC was the first of many vascular access devices Emily has depended on and, unfortunately, Lyme was only the first of many diagnoses to come. Despite facing long term illness and…
Vascular Access Dressing Adherence and Hospital-acquired Infections Central venous access device (CVAD) related infections have a 12‐25% mortality in ICU populations. [1] Due to dressing disruption, central line‐associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) may occur. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the Infusion Nurses Society (INS) agree that vascular access device (VAD) dressing…
We are excited to launch a new production, a video series entitled, “3 Questions With…” 3 Questions With… features some of the finest thought leaders in healthcare specialties such as Infection Prevention, Vascular Access, Surgical Care and more. These experts answer questions on the latest insights, evidence and current practices. For our premier 3 Questions…
Each year in the US more than 50 million surgeries are performed.1 Treatment of resulting surgical scars has driven decades of research, and it is estimated that in the US $20 billion per year is spent on scar treatment and management.2 Patients have made it clear that they are highly concerned about scarring after surgery…
Vascular Access Devices and Dressing Adherence 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. [1,2] In fact, dressing disruption is a major risk factor for central line‐associated bloodstream infections…
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.1,2 Russell Nassof, JD, founder of RiskNomics, discusses the importance of common sense in evidenced-based medicine, the issue of dressing disruption, the prominence…
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…
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…
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…
Welcome to the first of a 2-part series on Left Ventricular Assist Devices (LVADs). Part 1 will provide an overview of LVADs, types of patients treated and the associated risks. Congestive Heart Failure (CHF) is a leading cause of death worldwide. CHF is estimated to impact over 20 million people in the world, 2.2 million…