One of the most common complications associated with vascular access devices (VAD) is occlusion. Device occlusion can potentially result in treatment being either halted or missed. This can have a negative effect on treatment outcomes. Occlusion can be partial, persistent withdrawal occlusion (PWO) or total.
This article will focus on occlusion in totally inserted vascular access devices (TIVAD). It will recommend ten key practice points that could help reduce the complication of occlusion in TIVADs.
Types of occlusion
A patent catheter is one that can be freely flushed and aspirated with no resistance.
- Persistent withdrawal occlusion is the ability to flush but inability to aspirate from the catheter.
- Total occlusion is the inability to flush or aspirate from the catheter.
Signs of occlusion
Signs of occlusion include:
- A sluggish blood return,
- Inability to flush freely,
- Sluggish flow,
- Resistance felt on flushing,
- Inability to infuse fluids or medications,
- Frequent alarms indicating occlusion,
- Swelling at insertion site,
- Leakage at insertion site.
Healthcare professionals (HCP) should aim to prevent device occlusion as this can influence patient outcomes. To reduce occlusive complications in TIVAD, the following ten practice points should be considered:
1. Monitoring/patient assessment
Monitor the patient regularly for signs of occlusion: Early detection of occlusion can prevent further complications, such as infections. Symptoms of occlusion can include resistance when flushing, slow infusion, and swelling around the insertion site.
- Regular monitoring and maintenance: Regular monitoring and maintenance of the port can identify any problems before they become severe, which can help to prevent occlusions and other complications.
- Maintain good nutrition and hydration: Adequate hydration and nutrition levels help to maintain the conditions necessary for the prevention of port occlusion.
- Ensure the device is correctly positioned: Proper positioning can prevent kinking or pressure on the catheter, which can cause occlusion.
- Follow the care plan: Adhere to the care plan as recommended by the healthcare team to ensure that the port remains functional.
2. Education and training
There is evidence to suggest that appropriate education and training for HCP who work with VAD can improve patient outcomes (Moureau, 2013). It is important that HCP adhere to practice guidelines when accessing and flushing VADs. This approach can improve safety and reduce the incidence of catheter related complications, such as occlusion (Krzywda and Andris, 2005).
- Protocols should be established to ensure that flushing and locking procedures are standardised across institutions.
- Follow the manufacturer’s protocol and IFUs for the use and care of TIVAD. This will help to maintain the integrity of the device and help to prevent device occlusion.
3. Adequate/regular flushing
Adequate and regular flushing is one of the key practice points to help prevent occlusion. This involves using a saline solution to clear the device of any residue and to prevent blood and biofilm from building up within the device.
4. Effective flushing technique
The act of flushing, or clearing, when performed correctly, represents a key procedure in maintaining device patency and reducing the risk of occlusion (Royon et al., 2012)
- A push – pause, pulsatile turbulent flush should be used as this technique helps to clear the catheter and port of biofilm.
- A pulsatile flush involves a fast stop – start or push – pause technique as the saline is injected into the catheter. Research demonstrates that the turbulence created within the catheter is more effective in rinsing the catheter lumen and port compared to a constant, laminar injection (Vigier et al., Guiffant et al., 2012B). This technique is also associated with a reduction in bacterial attachment and growth in VADs (Ferroni et al., 2014).
5. Huber needle bevel orientation
When flushing a TIVAD the bevel of the non – coring / Huber needle should be orientated in the opposite direction from the outflow channel where the catheter is attached to the port body. The evidence for this was demonstrated in In vitro testing that confirmed that a greater amount of protein was removed when the bevel was orientated in this direction. (Guiffant et al. 2012).
6. Correct clamping sequence
The sequence in which the TIVAD is clamped is important in the fight to reduce catheter occlusion. The sequence of clamping and syringe disconnection is dependent on the type of needle free device in situ. Therefore, it is fundamental that HCP are aware of this information prior to working with VADs.
7. Locking
Locking refers to the installation of fluid into the lumen of a catheter following flushing (Gorski et al., 2021). This is in the attempt to maintain catheter patency or to reduce infective risks. Types of locking solutions include saline, heparin, antibiotics, thrombolytics, citrate, ethanol, and bicarbonate solutions (Moureau et a., 2019).
Traditionally, heparin was used as a locking agent for most VADs. Recently however, a meta – analysis concluded that there was little high-quality evidence to suggest that the use of heparin to lock VAD reduced the incidence of occlusions. In addition, there was no evidence that the use of heparinised saline resulted in fewer VAD occlusions (Lopez-Britz et al., 2018). Guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) suggest that a sterile 0.9% injection to flush and then lock the catheter is adequate (NICE, 2014).
8. Positive pressure needle withdrawal
The withdrawal of Huber needles from a TIVAD can cause blood to reflux into the tip of the catheter which can result in intraluminal occlusion. When the Huber needle is removed from the TIVAD body, the septum is slightly lifted. When the septum returns to its original position this causes a small influx of blood at the catheter tip. This has been demonstrated in a study by Lapalu (2010).
In this study, the application of positive pressure (achieved by the injection of additional solution) during Huber needle withdrawal reduced the incidence of reflux by nearly 80%. This study demonstrated the value of positive pressure needle withdrawal to reduce reflux, compared to turbulent flushing and a positive pressure clamping sequence alone.
9. Medication considerations
10. Blood withdrawal
- Limit the number of blood draws to the necessary minimum, as each access increases the risk for infection or occlusion.
- Adequate flushing and locking following blood withdrawal is crucial to help prevent occlusive complications.
- Flush the TIVAD with at least 20mls of 0.9% normal saline, using a turbulent flush technique, following blood withdrawals.
Conclusion
There are many effective ways to prevent occlusions in TIVAD. By implementing the ten practice points detailed in this article, HCP can ensure that the device remains patent. Subsequently, patients can experience optimal outcomes and avoid the potential ramifications of TIVAD occlusion.
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