The Clinical Impact of Central Line Catheter Occlusions
Catheter Occlusions Negatively Affect Patient Care
Despite continued efforts by healthcare practitioners, occlusions in central line catheters (CVCs and PICCs) remain a significant issue that can result in:
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Delays in critical patient care.
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Increased risk of infection.
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Increase in healthcare costs.
Blood Reflux is a Key Cause of Catheter Occlusions
One important cause of catheter occlusion is blood reflux,1 or when blood backs up into the catheter.
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Blood reflux can lead to an intraluminal thrombus, which may result in an ability to infuse IV fluids/medications.
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An occluded catheter may lead to an inability to withdraw blood.
The Neutron Catheter Patency Device Prevents All Types of Reflux Into a Catheter
Unlike other technologies, such as positive displacement needlefree connectors, Neutron is the only device FDA 510(k)-cleared to prevent all forms of reflux into a catheter and is the first device to be cleared for all patient populations—including pediatrics and immunocompromised patients.
Internal Causes of Reflux
- Changes in Vascular Pressure Caused by:
> Coughing > Movement
> Sneezing > Crying
External Causes of Reflux
- Connection and Disconnection of a Luer
- IV Bag Running Dry/Infusion Pump Stopping
- Syringe Plunger Rebound
Reducing Catheter Occlusions with the Neutron Catheter Patency Device May Provide Real-Time Clinical Benefits
Avoid Delays in Critical Patient Care
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Neutron may help avoid delays in therapy of critical intravenous medications (e.g., antibiotics and oncolytics), nutritional support, and blood products.
Avoid Patient Discomfort and Pain
Avoid Unnecessary Costs
Help Reduce Risk of Infection
Potential Clinical Cost Savings with the Neutron Catheter Patency Device
With a reduced risk of catheter occlusions, there is decreased need for expensive declotting agents such as tPA, along with incremental clinical costs associated with managing catheter occlusions. Click below to find out how Neutron can help you make a real difference clinically and financially.
Neutron: Better By Design
Unique design allows Neutron to help prevent occlusions by reducing reflux and maintaining catheter patency.
Some devices on the market, including positive pressure needlefree connectors, are limited in their ability to reduce reflux. Because of an innovative design that incorporates a bi-directional silicone valve that helps prevent reflux at all times, Neutron helps maintain catheter patency during times when traditional connectors have been shown to occlude most often.
Unlike other valved or anti-reflux technologies, the bellows feature gives Neutron the unique ability to absorb and physically compensate for pressure variations that typically result in blood reflux into a catheter.
The Neutron incorporates ICU Medical's patented split-septum silicone seal and straight internal fluid path technology, clinically shown to provide a "significantly reduced bacterial transfer rate." 3
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When Neutron is not being accessed, the silicone seal forms a safe, swabbable barrier to bacterial ingress.
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Upon luer access, the silicone seal is depressed and the fluid path windows are exposed through the device's split-septum.
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Fluid is either infused or aspirated through the connector and catheter via the dedicated straight internal fluid path.
Technical Specs
Residual Volume: 0.1 mL
Flow Rate at Gravity: 100 mL / minute
Blood Compatibility: Yes
MRI Compatibility: Yes
High Pressure Compatibility: 10 mL / second
Drugs
Alcohol: Yes
Lipids: Yes
Chlorhexidine: Yes
Chemotherapy: Yes
