Exit Site Purse-String Suture to Secure Long-Term Venous Catheters

Abstract

A new method for the prevention of accidental dislodgment of long-term venous catheters involves the use of an exit site purse-string suture that holds the catheter cuff in place before the ingrowth of fibrous tissue. This method is safe, reliable, easily reproduced, and does not require any additional incisions or anchoring devices. In our clinical practice, it has drastically reduced the number of accidental dislodgments. (Journal of Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition 17:583-584, 1993)