Care of the central venous catheterization site: the use of a transparent polyurethane film.

Studies of care of patients with central venous catheters report a 3-7% incidence of catheter-induced sepsis when sterile gauze and tape are used as an occlusive dressing. The technique requires that the dressing be changed three times each week for catheterization site inspection. From June 1979 to September 1980, a noncomparative evaluation of a transparent, self-adhesive, polyurethane dressing which is permeable to water vapor but not bacteria was performed. This dressing was used for the care of 100 consecutive patients with central venous catheters. Dressing life averaged 5.3 days with silicone rubber catheters and 4.3 days for polyvinyl chloride catheters. One patient developed catheter induced sepsis (incidence 1%). This dressing material: (1) is acceptable for use as a dressing of central venous catheters; (2) continuously permits inspection of the insertion sites; (3) decreases nursing hours; (4) provides a comfortable dressing which secures the catheter to the patient; and (5) is durable even when exposed to high humidity therapy devices, or when possible permits the patient to take showers.