Are Novel PICC Materials Better Than Conventional Polyurethane PICCs?

Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are essential for providing vascular access for many patients. Original silicone catheters have been largely replaced by polyurethane catheters — now the standard of care — due to their superior durability and lower complication rates. Manufacturers continue to introduce advanced coatings and altered surfaces to catheters with the goal of further lowering thrombotic and infectious complications; for example, hydrophobic material has been purported to inhibit platelet aggregation and suppress thrombosis.

Researchers in Australia conducted a multicenter trial in which 1100 children and adults who required PICCs received either novel hydrophobic PICCs, novel chlorhexidine-impregnated PICCs, or sta…