Silicone elastomer catheter for chronic vascular access

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Abstract
The Evanston and Glenbrook Hospitals' series of 157 consecutive silicone elastomer central venous catheter insertions is reviewed. The total experience was 12,721 patient days (34.85 patient years). The complication rate of insertion was 1.91%, but no patient required chest tube drainage. Seven catheters clotted and could not be salvaged. Seventeen catheters were removed for suspected bacterial infection. Peripheral blood culture was not predictive of catheter tip contamination, while culture of blood drawn through the catheter and insertion site cultures proved most useful. Five bona fide infections were documented for an infection rate of 3.18%. This corresponds to one infection per 2,544 patient days (6.97 patient years). The mean duration of service of the catheter was 81 days with a median of 36 days. The longest duration was 707 days. The silicone elastomer catheter provides safe, dependable venous access for most patients and may be inserted in an outpatient and therefore cost‐effective setting.