Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter OutcoMe PolyurethAne versus Endexo (PICCOMPARE trial)

Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (or PICCs) are often inserted when patients require moderate to long term delivery of treatment such as antibiotics, chemotherapy, other irritant infusions, and/or frequent blood sampling. Complications including infection, occlusion and thrombosis are quite common, and device replacement is often necessary. 

Next-generation PICCs are being introduced in an attempt to reduce these complications. An example of this is the BioFlo PICC (by Angiodynamics), which uses a unique 'Endexo', non-stick polymer which is integrated into the polyurethane catheter, to reduce the ability of biofilm and blood components to attach. BioFlo technology is designed to be both integral (on the outer, inner and cut portion of the catheter) and permanent so that it does not dissipate over time, but is present for the life of the device. It is claimed this will reduce the risk of thrombosis, occlusion and catheter associated bloodstream infection. Additionally, valve technology promises to prevent occlusion by reducing blood reflux. Valves are pressure activated, remaining closed with normal venous pressure and opening during infusion and aspiration. The incorporation of the pressure activated safety valve (PASV) might further reduce the risk of device occlusion.

The PICCOMPARE pilot trial aims to establish the feasibility of conducting a large randomised controlled trial to test the effectiveness of the BioFlo with PASV PICC against standard care (non-valved power injectable polyurethane catheters). It will be conducted at two large Queensland tertiary hospitals, and recruit from both Medical and Surgical units.

This trial has been funded, as an unrestricted research grant, by Angiodynamics (the manufacturer of BioFlo). Angiodynamics is not involved in the study design, data collection, data analysis or publication of results.

This research is led by Ms Tricia Kleidon (Lady Cilento Children's Hospital) and Ms Nicole Gavin (Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital).