Peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) are frequently used in pediatric care, but improper care can lead to complications such as infection or catheter failure. To address these issues, the I-DECIDED tool was developed to enhance PIVC assessment and decision-making. This tool empowers healthcare professionals to deliver better care by systematically evaluating the status of PIVCs and taking necessary actions. Study Overview
A quasi-experimental, interrupted time-series study was conducted ...

Andrea Valks joined Claire Rickard’s research group in Infection Prevention and Vascular Access on 13th January as a Clinical Project Manager. Prior to joining the group, Andrea worked for 11 years in clinical research at the Australasian Kidney Trials Network at the University of Queensland.  She will bring her extensive experience managing international Investigator Initiated clinical trials to the PIVO Trial,  which aims to examine whether the use of the PIVO Pro at the ini...

Arterial catheters are commonly used in perioperative care to monitor patients undergoing surgery. Despite their widespread use, the potential complications, such as thrombosis and infections, remain a concern. A new study evaluates these risks by focusing on the use of ultrasound to assess catheter-related outcomes and patient symptoms. Study Overview
This prospective study involved 339 patients who underwent elective surgery with arterial catheterization. Duplex ultrasound was used to eval...

Central venous catheters (CVCs) are a vital part of pediatric care, providing essential access for treatments in critically ill children. However, dislodgement of these catheters is a common issue, leading to complications and increased healthcare costs. To address this, the SECURED trial tested a new subcutaneous anchor securement system (SASS) against traditional sutureless securement devices (SSDs) to determine which method better prevents catheter dislodgement in children. Study Overview...

Peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) are widely used in hospitals to administer treatments. However, they can lead to infections, increasing healthcare costs and putting patients at risk. To address this, researchers have developed a novel antimicrobial dressing aimed at reducing PIVC-related infections and complications like phlebitis. Study Overview
This randomized controlled trial, known as the ProP trial, aims to test whether a new chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG)-impregnated dressing i...

Peripheral intravenous catheter-associated phlebitis is a common yet serious complication in healthcare, particularly for critically ill patients. Phlebitis, which refers to the inflammation of a vein, can lead to discomfort, infections, and increased hospital stays. To address this, researchers have developed a machine learning (ML)-based model to predict the incidence of phlebitis, offering a proactive solution to prevent this complication. Study Overview
This study used the AMOR-VENUS dat...

As 2024 comes to a close, we’re reflecting on an extraordinary year of dedication, innovation, and impact within the AVATAR community. Here are some recent highlights from our incredible team: Dr Mari Takashima earned her PhD with a thesis featuring 5 published papers, combining clinical expertise, statistical acumen, and remarkable perseverance. Her work on childhood lung health promises a bright future ahead. Dr Amanda Corley was awarded the Australasian College for Infection Prev...

On November 17th, AVATAR and AVAS (Australian Vascular Access Society) conducted a very successful pre-conference, full-day workshop at this year’s Australasian College of Infection Prevention and Control (ACIPC) conference at the fabulous Melbourne Convention Centre. The event, kindly sponsored by Solventum, attracted great interest with 100 in-person participants and 30 online attendees. Themed “Let’s Rein in Blood Stream Infection from Vascular Catheters!”, the wor...

Arterial catheters (ACs) are vital in intensive care units (ICUs), offering crucial access to arterial circulation for continuous blood pressure monitoring and frequent blood sampling. However, ACs also pose risks, including bloodstream infections (BSIs) and device failure. A recent analysis of data from four randomized controlled trials (RCTs) sheds light on these risks and emphasizes the need for better monitoring. Study Overview
This study analyzed the outcomes of 1,117 adult ICU patients...

The Australian Vascular Access Society (AVAS) is delighted to invite you to its 2025 Scientific Meeting, a gathering designed to inspire, educate, and connect healthcare professionals dedicated to Vascular Access. Dates: July 20–22, 2025
Location: Novotel Wollongong Northbeach, NSW This premier event is an opportunity to learn about the latest advancements in Vascular Access devices, technologies, and research. Against the stunning backdrop of Wollongong’s coastline, you’l...