Safety of Extending Implanted Vascular Access Device Maintenance Flush Frequency.

Background: Standards of care and guidelines acknowledge insufficient evidence that defines frequency of flushing for implanted vascular access devices (IVADs). Manufacturers recommend 4 weeks, but guidelines suggest that extending to 12 weeks is safe based on functionality.

Objectives: The study reviewed current standards of care for IVAD flush maintenance frequency, examined the characteristics of blood from IVADs by aspirating and observing contents prior to flushing when maintenance care is delayed beyond four weeks, and identified whether more research is required to determine optimal IVAD maintenance flush frequency.