ClearGuard HD Antimicrobial Barrier Cap for preventing haemodialysis catheter-related bloodstream infections. Medtech innovation briefing [MIB234]

The technology described in this briefing is ClearGuard HD Antimicrobial Barrier Cap. It is a central venous catheter cap with chlorhexidine acetate coated rod and cap threads, used to help prevent catheter-related bloodstream infections in people having haemodialysis.The innovative aspects are that it could replace the need to clean the connector port with 2% chlorhexidine in 70% alcohol and potentially reduce the risk of catheter-related bloodstream infections.The intended place in therapy would be as an alternative to using standard central venous catheter caps in people having dialysis.The main points from the evidence summarised in this briefing are from 2 randomised controlled trials including a total of 4,141 adults in dialysis facilities. They show that ClearGuard HD is more effective than comparators for adults on dialysis. Key uncertainties around the evidence or technology are that the studies were done in the US, which may limit the generalisability to the NHS.
Source: Current Awareness Service for Health (CASH) - Category: Consumer Health News Source Type: news