Key issues with IV connectors

Catheter Occlusions

• Catheter occlusion is the most common noninfectious complication in the long-term use of central venous catheters (CVCs) and occurs in 33% of these catheters.¹
  


• A common cause for catheter occlusion is clotting of blood refluxed into the catheter. Blood reflux occurs when an administration set or syringe is connected to a positive displacement connector or disconnected from a negative displacement connector.¹
  


• Occlusions increase the risk of procedural complications, risk of infections and costs in hospital time and money. Maintaining the patency of the catheter is a high priority.²
  

Bloodstream Infections

• Facilities and governments have increased pressure to reduce hospital-acquired infections (HAis).


• It is estimated that central vascular catheters are associated with 248,000 bloodstream infection per year in the US.⁴
  


• Development of a catheter-related bloodstream infection (CR-BSI) can increase hospital length of stay by an average of 23 days, and mortality rate by 21.6% which increases total cost of care.⁵
  


• As an additional reference the FDA has expressed concern about multiple clinical reports regarding the association of BSls with positive displacement devices.⁶
  

Connector Failure

• Connectors not designed to tolerate pressures used for power injection can fail and harm the patient.³
  


• Failure can delay treatment of patient.⁷
  

Training Requirements

• Multiple connectors with varied techniques can cause confusion and increased potential for errors.⁸
  


• Ongoing staff turnover requires increased training.⁹
  

Key Features and Benefits of the One-Link Needle-free IV Connector

Features
Clinical Benefits

Withstands a maximum of 325 psi with a pressure power injector¹

Compatible with most contrast media power injectors

Can be used for up to 200 actuations and over a period of 7 days. Replace device whichever comes first.
Aligns with CDC 2011 guidelines and may provide flexibility for longer use

Smooth top surface with gland tightly fitted to housing
Provides an easy-to-cleanse device that helps the clinician disinfect the surface

Clear housing
Allows the visualization of the fluid path, thereby helping the clinician to verify that the device has been flushed

Finger-grip surface
May reduce likelihood of touch contamination

Low flush volume after medication or solution administration. 10 ml flush required if the connector has been exposed to blood.*
Facilitates thorough flushing of device Appropriate for fluidrestricted patients, including neonates and pediatric patients

Neutral fluid displacement
Eliminates the need for a specified clamping sequence; for patient safety, clamping is required only when the device is not in use

Compatible with a variety of valved and non-valved catheters

Low priming volume (0.08 ml)
May allow for more medication to be delivered and less to be retained in the device

Lipid compatible
Can be used with a wide range of IV fluids

No clamping sequence required. (Clamp when not in use for patient safety)
Simplifies training

 1 Replace if a pressure over 325 psi is applied to the connector.
* Flush per organization protocol. Flush with a volume of 10 ml after exposure to blood. Replace if a 10 ml flush cannot be performed.
References
1. Hadaway L. Reopen the pipeline. Nursing. 2005; 35(8): 54-61.
2. Yacopetti N. Central Venous Catheter-Related Thrombosis-A Systematic Review. Journal of Infusion Nursing. July/August 2008; 31(4): 244.
3. Reminders from FDA Regarding Ruptured Vascular Access Devices from Power Injection. www.fda.gov (January 2009).
5. CDC June 2010: Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI) Event.
6. Pennsylvania Health Care Cost Containment Council. January 2009. Hospital Acquired Infections in Pennsylvania. Data reporting 2006-2007.
7. FDA Alert Letter: Positive Displacement Needleless Connectors and Bloodstream Infections: Initial Communication. August 11. 2010.
8. Pennsylvania Patient Safety Authority Vol 5. No 4-December 2008. CT Contrast Media Power lnfectors Can Rupture Conventional IV Sets.
9. Jarvis W. Choosing the Best Design for Intravenous Needleless Connectors to Prevent Bloodstream Infections. www.infectioncontroltoday.com. posted 7/28/2010.
For customer support contact 1300 789 646. For Medical information contact 1300 302 409 For more information visit www.baxterhealthcare.com.au or email onecall@baxter.com