Chlorhexidine-coated peripherally inserted central catheters reduce fibroblastic sleeve formation in an in vivo ovine model.

Purpose:: This study compared an antimicrobial and anti-thrombogenic peripherally inserted central catheter treated with a chlorhexidine-based technology, a peripherally inserted central catheter with bulk distributed fluoro-oligomers, and a poly 2-methoxyethyl acrylate-based peripherally inserted central catheter to an untreated peripherally inserted central catheter (control) in an ovine model at 14 and 30 days post-implant.

Methods:: One of four types of peripherally inserted central catheters was surgically implanted into the left jugular vein of each of 18 sheep for 14 or 30 days. Blood analysis consisted of complete blood counts, serum chemistries, and coagulation (fibrinogen, prothrombin time, and partial thromboplastin time) profiles.