Tissue adhesive as an alternative to sutures for securing central venous catheters.

摘要

Tissue adhesives have been used in the past for a wide range of applications, including wound and laceration closure , repair of gastric vatices , inci-sional hernias , retinal detachment , and for securing epidural catheters . They have numerous advantages over traditional sutures , with the potential to reduce complications associated with traditional methods for both the patient and doctor. They are safe (having been tested extensively in a wide range of areas) and cost effective, with less need for local anaesthetic and dry dressings. They prevent the need for painful suturing and suture removal with the potential for significant reductions in percutaneous injuries from suture needles and better cosmetic results for che patient . They are tough, durable, have high mechanical strength and can remain in place for a number of days. In addition, such agents have intrinsic bactericidal properties , another advantage in the context of long-term catheters used in ICU where catheter-related infections are a common problem.