Catheters are the leading source of
bloodstream infections for patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). Comprehensive unit-based programs have proven to be effective in decreasing
catheter-related
bloodstream infections (CR-BSIs). ICU rates of CR-BSI higher than 2 per 1,000
catheter-days are no longer acceptable. The locally adapted list of preventive measures should include skin antisepsis with an alcoholic preparation, maximal barrier precautions, a strict
catheter maintenance policy, and removal of unnecessary
catheters. The development of new technologies capable of further decreasing the now low CR-BSI rate is a major challenge. Recently, new materials that decrease the risk of skin-to-vein bacterial migration, such as new
antiseptic dressings, were extensively tested. Antimicrobial-coated
catheters can prevent CR-BSI but have a theoretical risk of selecting resistant bacteria. An antimicrobial or
antiseptic lock may prevent bacterial migration from the hub to the bloodstream. This review discusses the available knowledge about these new technologies.