Kevin Hugill1,†,‡
Matheus F. P. T. van Rens2*†,‡Angela Alderman3Lori Kaczmarek4,‡Carolyn Lund5,6Amy Paradis7
- 1Nursing and Midwifery Education, Hamad Medical Corporation, Doha, Qatar
- 2Neonatology Department, Radboud University, Nijmegen, Netherlands
- 3NICU, Carilion Children’s Hospital, Roanoke, VA, United State
- 4Adhezion Biomedical, LLC, Wyomissing, PA, United State
- 5NICU, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital, Oakland, CA, United State
- 6School of Nursing, University of California, San Francisco, CA, United State
- 7NICU, CNS Doctors Medical Center, Modesto, CA, United State
Neonatal vascular access continues to pose challenges. Recent times have seen considerable innovations in practice and the design and manufacture of materials used to provide infusion-based therapies with the intent of reducing the incidence and severity of vascular access-related complications. However, despite these efforts, vascular access-related complication rates remain high in this patient group and research evidence remains incomplete. In neonates, a medical-grade formulation of cyanoacrylate adhesive is widely used to secure percutaneously inserted central venous catheters and is beginning to establish a role in supporting the effective securement of other devices, such as umbilical and peripheral intravenous catheters. This Perspective article considers issues specific to the removal of cyanoacrylate used to secure vascular access devices from neonatal skin before its bonding releases due to natural skin exfoliation processes. The aim of this information is to ensure the safe and effective removal of octyl-cyanoacrylate adhesive-secured vascular access catheters from neonatal skin and stimulate professional discussion.
Introduction
Over recent years, evidence-based practice innovations, such as care bundles, and intravenous (IV) team approaches have become firmly embedded in neonatal vascular access (VA) practice (1–4). These developments have taken place alongside technological improvements in the design and manufacture of VA devices and catheters for neonatal patient populations, with the intent of reducing VA-related complications (5, 6). Despite these advances, the incidence of VA-related complications remains unacceptably high, and dwell times for VA catheters, particularly peripheral IV catheters (PIVC) among this patient group, are generally considered to be suboptimal (6, 7).
Improving the securement of vascular catheters is a challenge for practitioners. Inadequate securement can lead to therapy failure and the unplanned removal of the catheter (1, 2). This can lead to infants being exposed to repeated painful VA procedures and critical delays in therapy. Adverse experiences like these have been associated with poorer outcomes for infants and their families (1, 6, 8–11).
Discussion
Medical grade cyanoacrylate tissue adhesives (TAs) are available in various chemical formulations, and these are typically based on octyl, butyl, or isobutyl esters. TAs form strong bonds between contact surfaces when exposed to ambient moisture. Individual products differ in their adhesive characteristics, breaking strength, and flexibility and are marketed under a range of brand names for specific clinical uses. TAs have established a role in traumatic and surgical wound closure (12, 13), and in securing vascular catheters (1, 2, 14). TAs formulated for use in VA are referred to as catheter securement cyanoacrylate adhesives (CSCAs) to differentiate them from other TAs (15). There are few absolute contraindications to CSCA use but some medical device composition incompatibilities, allergic sensitivity to components, and certain skin conditions are detailed in product indications for use (IFU) (1, 12–20).
Securing vascular access devices in neonates
Historically, neonatal clinicians have relied upon medical adhesive tapes and surgical sutures for catheter securement. Some types of tape pose a significant risk of medical adhesive-related tissue injury (MARSI) in this vulnerable patient population (16–18, 21–22) due to the interaction of intrinsic and extrinsic factors, including anatomical and physiological skin barrier immaturity, skin maturation processes, frequent invasive procedures, and therapeutic medical device use (16, 22).
Recently, engineered catheter securement devices and a CSCA have entered practice (1, 2, 15, 23–29). Initially, these approaches were limited to central vascular catheter (CVC) securement but are now recommended as an adjunct for peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) securement (1, 19, 28). Currently, only one product, marketed as SecurePortIV® (Adhezion Biomedical, Wyomissing PA, USA), has Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Certificate European (CE) approval for use in VA across all patient age groups and catheter types (1, 2, 20). There is an emerging body of empirical evidence from neonatal studies that this CSCA formulation is safe to use and can achieve the benefits reported in studies with other patient age groups (27–29).
The CSCA formulation used in VA has an established safety record, but MARSI remains a risk, particularly if the product is over-applied (16, 17, 21, 24). A characteristic of CSCA is that the adhesive bond forms more efficiently when thin layers are applied, as thicker layers can lead to less effective catheter securement. Consequently, it is essential to avoid overapplication; normally only 1–2 drops are required to achieve effective securement (Figure 1) (20).
Figure 1. Applying CSCA. Image courtesy of Adhezion Biomedical, LLC, Wyomissing, PA, USA, used with permission from Adhezion Biomedical.
Applied correctly, CSCAs are painless, aid insertion site closure, and promote hemostasis. They provide effective securement, reduce catheter migration, the risk of accidental removal, and decrease the need for frequent dressing changes (15, 23). Furthermore, CSCAs inhibit bacterial and fungal growth, with evidence supporting reductions in the risk of acquiring catheter-associated infection (1, 2, 5, 15, 24, 27–30). Standards and guidelines for catheter securement recommend that CSCA, used alone or combined with tapes, other securement devices, and the primary transparent dressing can reduce VA-related complications (1, 2, 19, 26, 31).
In practice, there are three common situations when early (before the natural separation of the adhesive from exfoliated skin cells) CSCA removal may be required. First, and most common, is to facilitate the repositioning of the CVC tip shortly after insertion of the catheter. Second, is elective catheter removal following the completion of therapy. Finally, the removal of a catheter after infusion-related complications, such as leakage, occlusion, peripheral IV infiltration/extravasation (PIVIE), or catheter dislodgment, is another unplanned removal situation.
Recommendations for best practice
General considerations
To ensure best practice overall, rather than in isolated patches, it is essential that all VA-related procedures are carried out with due attention to the wider context of patient care. Before beginning, inform the infant's parents about the procedure and the reason for doing it; this will provide reassurance, help to build more effective therapeutic relationships, and could potentially provide an opportunity for greater parental involvement (9–11, 32). To ensure patient safety and avoid the risk of harm, verify the correct patient, correct device and site, and rationale for catheter removal (33). During catheter removal, adhere to routine infection control and personal protective equipment (PPE) practices to ensure personal and patient safety (e.g., 34–37).
A key element of practice is to ensure that neurodevelopmentally appropriate practices are consistently and universally implemented (10, 11). For example, practitioners should consider individual intrinsic patient characteristics and extrinsic risks before attempting CSCA removal while ensuring supportive thermoregulation throughout. Additionally, individual behavioral cues, assessment of sleep/wake patterns, the relationship of this activity to other care activities or painful procedures, and the degree of clinical urgency should be considered when determining when it is best to remove a catheter (10).
Ensuring that comfort measures are in place throughout is essential for minimizing pain experiences. Recall the reason for the unplanned/early removal of the catheter (e.g., phlebitis or PIVIE) and consider whether this might be a source of pain and discomfort during removal. Consider whether an assistant (potentially an adequately prepared parent) is required to aid in safe removal, support the infant, and provide comfort measures in accordance with local protocol/guidance.
Evidence from numerous sources suggests that following these general considerations can reduce levels of medical error and avoidable patient harm, reduce costs and complaints, enhance the patient and family experience, and ensure that patients and families receive optimal individualized care that supports better short- and long-term developmental outcomes (8–11, 32–38).
Removing cyanoacrylate tissue adhesives from the skin
TAs naturally begin to lose their adhesion 5–7 days following application, as the surface of the skin naturally regenerates and exfoliates. In neonates, the skin undergoes post-birth maturation processes, and reapplication of CSCA around the site it was originally applied to is recommended with any dressing change to ensure ongoing benefits. However, it remains important to avoid overapplication (20).
Pre-CSCA use precautions
Neonates are at risk from numerous iatrogenic complications from VA procedures. Utilizing mnemonics, such as the “5Rs for VA” or “PIV5rights” (27, 39), before insertion can reduce harm. In addition, formal skin condition scoring using a validated tool, e.g., the Braden QD or Neonatal Skin Condition Score (NSCS) (40–42), can be useful for identifying risks and aiding objective assessment and documentation.
Preventing MARSI begins before the application of medical adhesive. Preventative strategies include appropriate adhesive selection for the intended purpose and the application of non-alcoholic silicone skin barrier preparations. Evidence suggests that the preapplication of skin barrier products (e.g., CavilonTM No Sting Skin Barrier Film, 3M Saint Paul, MN, USA.) protects the skin from MARSI and epidermal stripping. It should be noted that while authoritative guidance supports their use (e.g., 42, 43) most skin barrier product use is “off-label” in neonates.
Removing CSCA
Generally, in neonates, gentle rolling manipulation of the CSCA plaque in a horizontal direction avoiding vertical lifting is all that is required to aid the removal of the adhesive and catheter. Unless it is essential for ongoing care and management of the VA catheter, it is not necessary to remove all the CSCA residue. It is sufficient to remove enough to facilitate the safe removal of the catheter and any remaining CSCA will naturally separate in time; this reduces the risk of MARSI (16–18, 21).
CSCA can be removed before it naturally separates by applying adhesive removers (20). However, formulations containing acetone, alcohol, or latex can be harmful for neonates or can damage some types of catheters [alcohol softens polyurethane (PUR)]. In general, adhesive removers containing alcohol or acetone are best avoided in neonates. This is to protect against further skin damage and avoid possible toxicities from the absorption of ingredients through the skin (16). Numerous branded skin-compatible formulations, such as Acetone Free Adhesive Remover Pads (Medline Industries Northfield lL, USA), or silicone-based adhesive removers, such as Adapt™ Medical Adhesive Remover (Hollister Incorporated, Libertyville IL, USA) and Esenta™ Adhesive Remover and Sensicare™ Sting-Free Adhesive Releaser (both, Convatec Incorporated Bridgewater NJ, USA), are available and when used with care can facilitate easier CSCA removal in difficult cases. If adhesive removers are used then interventions to limit exposure, such as avoiding contaminating adjacent skin and pooling underneath the infant and promptly removing any residue, should be implemented.
Documentation
Adhere to the principles of proper documentation practices and institution requirements. This will ensure compliance with the expectations of professional practice and that the care provided to the patient and family is accurately recorded (33). The documentation includes the reason for catheter removal, date and time of removal, skin and catheter site condition assessment and any recommendations for ongoing care and observation, effectiveness of comfort interventions, and education to the parents. Document adverse outcomes using incident reporting as per institution guidelines.
Conclusions
Neonatal VA is a complex undertaking, one in which continual balancing and rebalancing of relative risks and benefits is required to optimize therapy and minimize harm. Opening discussion and debate about VA practice is essential for improving patient outcomes. The motivation for this article emerged from a concern that in reducing one aspect of risk, i.e., catheter dislodgment from better catheter securement, we mitigate risk elsewhere.
This article summarizes the key points (Box 1) for safe CSCA removal and contributes to knowledge in several ways. First, it provokes discussion around an increasingly common feature of everyday practice (the use of CSCA with VA) by highlighting the current state of evidence supporting practice. Second, it draws attention to some of the significant gaps in the understanding of the risks associated with CSCA use with neonatal patients.
BOX 1. Key points for ensuring safe and effective CSCA removal.
Data availability statement
The original contributions presented in the study are included in the article/Supplementary Material, further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author/s.
Author contributions
Both KH and MR contributed equally to the conceptualization and led the collaboration and preparation of the manuscript and share joint equal first authorship for this work. AA, LK, CL, and AP contributed equally to revising the manuscript for important intellectual content and performed final proofreading. All authors contributed to the article and approved the submitted version.
Conflict of interest
LK is an employee of Adhezion Biomedical, LLC.
The remaining authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
Publisher's note
All claims expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent those of their affiliated organizations, or those of the publisher, the editors and the reviewers. Any product that may be evaluated in this article, or claim that may be made by its manufacturer, is not guaranteed or endorsed by the publisher.
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Keywords: neonate, complications, neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), vascular catheters, tissue adhesives cyanoacrylate, medical adhesive-related skin injury (MARSI)
Citation: Hugill K, van Rens MFPT, Alderman A, Kaczmarek L, Lund C and Paradis A (2023) Safe and effective removal of cyanoacrylate vascular access catheter securement adhesive in neonates. Front. Pediatr. 11:1237648. doi: 10.3389/fped.2023.1237648
Received: 9 June 2023; Accepted: 26 July 2023;
Published: 25 August 2023.
Edited by:
Fiammetta Piersigilli, Cliniques Universitaires Saint-Luc, BelgiumReviewed by:
Timothy R. Spencer, Global Vascular Access, LLC, United States© 2023 Hugill, van Rens, Alderman, Kaczmarek, Lund and Paradis. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction in other forums is permitted, provided the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication in this journal is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
*Correspondence: Matheus F. P. T. van Rens rolandvanrens@icloud.com
†These authors have contributed equally to this work and share first authorship
‡ORCID Kevin Hugill orcid.org/0000-0002-3096-9635 Matheus F. P. T. van Rens orcid.org/0000-0001-9359-0895 Lori Kaczmarek orcid.org/0000-0001-6462-5198