IV care from different perspectives

This Supplement includes articles from the US-based Association for Vascular Access (AVA) and the Canadian Vascular Access Association (CVAA). Here are some observations on these articles from a UK point of view.

I was interested to read this AVA article. In this study, the effectiveness and safety of a catheter lock solution containing 2% taurolidine without citrate or heparin (TauroSept^®, Geistlich Pharma AG, Wolhusen, Switzerland) in haemodialysis patients was investigated. The results were very promising with an observed catheter-related bloodstream infection rate of 0 per 1000 catheter days.

TauroSept is classed as a medical device in the UK and, in this case, a prescription is not required for its use. This has many advantages and, in my own clinical practice, I have seen great results in clearing candida from tunnelled catheters using TauroSept as a treatment and as a prophylactic lock.

An innovative strategy to upskill the student nursing body with cannulation and venepuncture competencies to aid in coping with the pressures of COVID-19 surges in an acute Canadian hospital is discussed in this article from the CVAA.