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SecurAcath: An NHS Innovation Technology Payment (ITP)

SecurAcath is a device to secure catheters that is associated with a low incidence of catheter-associated complications, improved stability and reduced infection risk for patients with a peripherally inserted central catheter. The device has the potential for cost savings from a reduction in the time taken during dressing changes and is recommended by NICE. (https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/mtg34/resources)

It was chosen to be one of four ITP products in the 2018/19 round and is available through the ITP untill March 2019.

About

Patients may experience several complications when peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) are moved or dislodged at the insertion site. During weekly routine dressing changes, the adhesive dressing are removed, leaving the catheter unsecured and at risk of movement and migration, which can lead to these adverse patient impacts:

  • Interruptions or delays in therapy
  • Increased length of hospital stay or extended treatment plan
  • Increased readmissions to hospital
  • Repeat procedures
  • Damaged vessels from catheter movement, pistoning or recatheterisation
  • Medical adhesive related skin injury (MARSI)
  • Complications including catheter occlusion, phlebitis, thrombosis and infection.

The cost of replacing an adhesive securement on a weekly basis is around £5. Replacement costs of catheters can range from £150 to £1,500. Additional costs to consider are extending treatments and complication management.

Compared to adhesive securement devices, SecurAcath provides continuous securement from catheter placement and never needs to be changed.

SecurAcath does not require sutures or adhesives. It secures at the insertion site using small, flexible securement feet placed in the subcutaneous tissue below the dermis. This allows for improved site cleaning, less catheter manipulation and eliminates risk of accidental dislodgement or migration during routine dressing changes. Because SecurAcath lasts the life of the line, this lowers the total cost of patient care by dramatically reducing the complications related to routine adhesive securement changes and sutures.

Annual savings across the NHS in England from using SecurAcath are estimated to be a minimum of £4.2 million based on data reviewed by the NICE Advisory Committee. 

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