Triple lumen catheters. Technological advance or setback?

Multilumen central venous catheters are commonly used in hospitalized patients. This study evaluated the incidence of bacterial or fungal growth from the tips of 119 catheters removed for mechanical failure, no longer needed, or suspected catheter sepsis. Results showed an overall catheter contamination (less than 15 colonies) rate of 23.5 per cent and an overall catheter infection (greater than 15 colonies) rate of 14.3 per cent. Use of these catheters for delivering nutritional support solutions should be minimized or avoided.