Enhancing Quality and Safety in Critical Care—Challenges and Strategies for Central Venous Catheters

Saade et al discuss the challenges and strategies for enhancing quality and safety in critical care, specifically focusing on central venous catheters (CVCs). CVCs are commonly used in critical care settings but are associated with complications, particularly infections. The article highlights a systematic review and meta-analysis that investigated CVC-related complications, including placement failure, arterial puncture, pneumothorax, catheter malfunction, infections, and thrombosis. The study found that ultrasonography guidance can effectively reduce complications. They also discuss the evolving practices in the administration of vasopressors, with a trend towards peripheral administration rather than central administration. The use of point-of-care ultrasonography and other advanced peripheral intravenous access placement techniques has reduced the need for traditional CVCs. They emphasize the importance of comprehensive education programs and clinician training to maximize the benefits of these technologies.