This study describes a comparative analysis of eight commercial polyurethane, single-lumen peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) from different vendors. The aim was to investigate the mechanical response of the catheters providing objective and quantitative data to support a comparison among them. Such data could help nurses and physicians to select a central venous catheter (CVC) not only on the basis of the expected dwell duration or of the assessment of the vessels at the desired insertion site but also of the chemical and mechanical properties of the CVC and of the projected response of the body to these properties.
This study provides useful information that can help identifying and facilitate the choice of a PICC.
Authors: Paolo Poli 1, Antonella Scocca 1, Francesca Di Puccio 2, Giuseppe Gallone 2, Lorenza Angelini 2, Emanuele Maria Calabrò 2
1 Pain Therapy Unit, S. Chiara Hospital, Pisa – Italy.
2 Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Pisa – Italy.
J Vasc Access. 2016 Mar-Apr;17(2):175-81.
Epub 2015 Sep 7
