The process to treat occlusions often involves significant manipulation of the catheter site to administer anti-clotting agents. This increased manipulation exposes the site and access port to additional contamination.

In order to dislodge or lyse a thrombus, typically one needs to instill saline, heparin or antithrombolytic agents repeatedly. The increased incidence of manipulation of CVAD increases the potential for introduction of infectious agents, so any reduction in the need to gain access to the CVAD line may have a positive effect on infection control.”1

Intraluminal occlusions provide a rich culture medium for bacteria to grow. “Blood clearance from catheters is an essential part of catheter maintenance as the presence of thrombus is a well documented as correlative to CRBSI.”2 Efforts should always be directed at prevention of catheter occlusions and bacterial ingress to minimize biofilm formation.