Effect of Heparin-bonded Central Venous Catheters on the Incidence of Catheter-related Thrombosis and Infection in Children and Adults

Abstract

The use of central venous catheters, while advantageous, is associated with a range of complications including thrombosis and infection. These complications can pose significant physical and financial costs to the patient and health care system. A critical appraisal of the two randomized controlled trials examining this topic in critically ill patients has shown that heparin-bonded central venous catheters significantly reduced the incidence of catheter-related thrombosis and infection in children and adults. These findings suggest that heparin-bonded central venous catheters should be considered for routine use in critically ill patients.