Showering with central venous catheters: Experience using the CD‐1000 composite dressing

Background Central venous catheters (CVCs) are responsible for an estimated 250,000–400,000 bloodstream infections per year, with an associated mortality of 10%–35%. Colonization of the external surface of the catheter, distal spread of organisms down the catheters' intraluminal surfaces, and tap water have all been implicated in CVC infections. Methods In February, 2005, twenty‐nine patients were prescribed and used the CD‐1000, a new surgical dressing, to protect their catheter and exit site wound while performing high risk activities such as showering. This retrospective review was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the CD‐1000 at protecting the catheter and exit site from water and debris. In addition, patient satisfaction with the dressing and catheter infection rates were evaluated. Results The patient group used the CD‐1000 for an average of 76.13 days (range, 26–147 days), and 96.4% reported that it was effective at keeping the catheter and exit site dry and clean while showering, and would recommend use of this dressing to anyone living with a catheter. Eleven of the 29 patients (37.9%) reported having had a catheter infection prior to using the CD‐1000. During the study period there was 1 catheter infection (3.5%) resulting in a catheter infection rate for the study interval of 0.45/1,000 catheter days. Conclusion The CD‐1000 allowed patients living with CVCs to return to showering and to engage in other high‐risk activities previously not allowed. The dressing performed its intended function of maintaining a dry and clean environment for the catheter and exit site with a high level of satisfaction from the patients along with a low rate of infection during the study interval.