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The National Patient Safety Agency (NPSA) highlighted potential dangers associated with arterial lines in 2008, recommending the use of saline-only flush solutions. The incidence of catheter thrombosis appeared to increase following the implementation of this guidance in some units. The objective of the current study was to observe local practice regarding the use of heparin in arterial catheter flush solutions, and subsequent arterial catheter occlusion rates. This was an observational study in which data were collected prospectively from 445 catheter insertions in unselected intensive care patients in eight member hospitals of the Association of North Western Intensive Care Units (ANWICU). Catheters flushed with heparinised solutions had a significantly increased median lifespan of 102 hours versus 72 hours for saline-flushed catheters (p&lt;0.01). The likelihood of line blockage was significantly decreased in the heparin group (7.9%) compared with the saline group (41.2%, p&lt;0.0001). Our results suggest that routine use of heparinised flush solutions is associated with increased catheter lifespan and reduced catheter thrombosis. We believe that there is justification for an adequately powered, randomised controlled trial. Current NPSA guidance may need to be reviewed.

Observational Study of the Effect of Heparin-Containing Flush Solutions on the Incidence of Arterial Catheter Occlusion