IVUPDATE from IVTEAM

IVTEAM is a global resource for vascular access and infusion therapy, dedicated to supporting clinical teams worldwide. Our daily updates help healthcare professionals stay current with the latest evidence in vascular access and infusion therapy.

Comparing catheters to fistulas in older patients starting hemodialysis

“Findings from this trial suggest that conducting a definitive randomized trial of fistulas versus catheters is not feasible in the current climate. There was no signal of harm associated with randomization to the catheter strategy and most outcomes favored the catheter group. Patients exhibited strong preferences regarding choice of vascular access” Quinn et al (2026).

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Electronic health record impact on CLABSI rates – Full Text

“Higher EHR-derived care-exposure burden was associated with higher odds of adjudicated CLABSI or CLABSI-like bloodstream infection. The score should be interpreted as a pragmatic patient-level marker of cumulative care complexity and infection-prevention prioritisation, rather than as a causal measure of care quality or nursing performance” Li et al (2026).

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Role of antiseptic barrier caps in CLABSI reduction

“There was a 68% reduction in CLABSI events. By the end of 2024, the unit achieved a CLABSI standardized infection ratio of 0.414, representing a substantial improvement compared to the 2023 ratio of 1.45. The cost avoidance from ABC implementation was about $320,787. CLABSI reduction was sustained in 2025, and ABCs were implemented on the hematology-oncology unit” Rowland Rutledge et al (2026).

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PICC placement at the bedside – Full Text

“The internationally common bedside technique enables radiation-free PICC insertion under ultrasound control alone. This lowers the radiation load and spares resources as no angiographic intervention room is required” Buchholz et al (2026).

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Refractory rash at PICC puncture site during pegylated liposomal doxorubicin chemotherapy

‘Limited evidence exists regarding skin toxicity management, particularly when these reactions occur near vascular access sites. The clinical complexity is compounded by both the absence of standardized guidelines and the prolonged use of occlusive transparent dressings, which may worsen skin integrity, increase infection risks, and potentially necessitate premature catheter removal—leading to unplanned treatment delays” Shuping et al (2026).

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