Reduction of Mechanical IV Complication Using a New Medical Device

It is estimated that around 1.5 billion peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVC) are sold every year globally, and placing them is one of the most common invasive procedures in hospitalised patients, with up to 90% receiving one, yet there is a failure rate of up to 69%. Some of the most common causes of failure are considered to be phlebitis, subcutaneous infiltration, occlusion and dislodgement. These failure rates vary widely, where published data suggests rates of 8-44% for phlebitis, 5-21% for infiltration, 7.6-16% for occlusion and 5-10% for dislodgement. Phlebitis, commonly defined as an inflammatory process in the wall of a vein, resulting in a blood clot formation; while infiltration is defined as the inadvertent leakage of a solution into the surrounding tissue; occlusion is defined as PIVC failure due to blockage where flushing and/or aspiration is not possible, and dislodgement the complete accidental/inadvertent removal of the PIVC before intended. Previous studies have suggested that mechanical irritation could be an important factor resulting in PIVC failure. In the case of phlebitis, mechanical movements against the endothelial wall could initiate a cascade of prothrombotic events resulting in the formation of a blood clot, something that has been demonstrated in a simulated environment.

Therefore, there is a need to investigate potential new methods for prevention of these mechanical complications, and one way could be in the reduction of mechanical forces acting on the vessels. The aim of this study is to investigate the safety and effectiveness of a new medical device in reducing the number of mechanical complications during IV therapy.

The investigators have divided the research questions into a primary endpoint and secondary endpoints.

1. Primary endpoint:

The rate of mechanical complications of an IV therapy session using a new medical device (ReLink) compared to using current 'state of the art'. 2. Secondary endpoint: