CVC and lock: State of Art and New Perspectives

Abstract

CVC lock represents an actual basic theme in hemodialysis vascular access field. Recent know–how about biofilm led lock copyright holder towards warranty both in preventing infections endorsing CVC performance at the same time. Still today, an ideal lock, with antithrombotic and anti–bacterial properties, is not yet available. Today, with its pros and cons, heparin represent most employed lock even though physicians are looking for alternative devices. Among them, binders employment, such as low concentration sodium citrate (3.8 – 4%) could be effective for safety and low costs. High concentration sodium citrate (46.7%), taurolidine and ethanol can be considered as “advanced” locks with their distinctive features and potential further employment. Anyway, infections' prevention protocols adhesion and accurate CVC management represent primary target of daily hemodialysis practice irrespective of lock's choice.