Infusion thrombophlebitis and infection with various cannulas.

A prospective study was carried out of the frequency of thrombophlebitis and bacterial contamination of cannulas associated with four commonly used intravenous cannulas of differing length and chemical composition. For all cannulas the frequency of thrombophlebitis increased significantly with time. Long 'Teflon' cannulas were significantly more likely to be contaminated with bacteria and associated with thrombophlebitis than all other cannulas, while the low frequency of thrombophlebitis with butterfly stainless steel cannulas was shown to be due to their short duration of use. It is suggested that long teflon cannulas should be avoided and that infusion thrombophlebitis could be eliminated as a clinical problem by the use of intermittent short duration intravenous infusions.