Subcutaneous anchored securement of centrally inserted central catheter in intensive care unit: A pilot study

Background: Centrally inserted central catheters (CICCs) are critical devices in intensive care settings, where patients often require life-saving therapies. However, the stability of these devices is essential to avoid dislodgement, migration, and therapy interruptions. Adhesive sutureless securements devices are challenging in terms of dislodgment rates, while sutures must be avoided. SAS (Subcutaneous anchored Securement Device) is widely used in Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) to reduce dislodgement rate and improve cost effectiveness, but its use in ICU is still limited. Objective: To evaluate the incidence of CICC dislodgement using SAS in a second-level hospital ICU and assess whether its use increases catheter dwell time. Methods: A prospective, observational, single-center study involving 100 ICU patients at high risk of CICC dislodgement was conducted. A total of 126 CICCs were placed and secured with SAS (SecurAcath), and outcomes were monitored. Results: The dislodgement rate for SAS-CICCs was 4% (1.93 dislodgements per 1000 catheter days). The average catheter dwell time was 17.25 days, longer than adhesive securement devices (12.3 days). No device failures, local infections, or exit-site complications were reported. Conclusion: SAS effectively stabilizes CICCs, reduces dislodgement rates, and extends catheter dwell time in high-risk ICU patients, aligning with 2024 GAVeCeLT guidelines.