What is SecurAcath?

A device to secure catheters that is associated with a low incidence of catheter-associated complications, improved stability and reduced infection risk for patients with a peripherally inserted central catheter. The device has the potential for cost savings from a reduction in the time taken during dressing changes. Recommended by NICE.

Why is SecurAcath required?

Patients may experience several complications when peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) are moved or dislodged at the insertion site. During weekly routine dressing changes, the adhesive dressing are removed, leaving the catheter unsecured and at risk of movement and migration, which can lead to these adverse patient impacts:

• Interruptions or delays in therapy
• Increased length of hospital stay or extended treatment plan
• Increased readmissions to hospital
• Repeat procedures
• Damaged vessels from catheter movement, pistoning or recatheterisation
• Medical adhesive related skin injury (MARSI)
• Complications including catheter occlusion, phlebitis, thrombosis and infection.[Text Wrapping Break]

The cost of replacing an adhesive securement on a weekly basis is around £5. Replacement costs of catheters can range from £150 to £1,500. Additional costs to consider are extending treatments and complication management.

What solution does SecurAcath provide?

Compared to adhesive securement devices, SecurAcath provides continuous securement from catheter placement and never needs to be changed.

The concept for SecurAcath came from an Interventional Radiologist at the University of Minnesota.  He encountered patients with catheter securement issues on a daily basis and identified unmet needs for a robust catheter securement device that could overcome the challenges that adhesive devices and sutures caused.

SecurAcath does not require sutures or adhesives. It secures at the insertion site using small, flexible securement feet placed in the subcutaneous tissue below the dermis. This allows for improved site cleaning, less catheter manipulation and eliminates risk of accidental dislodgement or migration during routine dressing changes. Because SecurAcath lasts the life of the line, this lowers the total cost of patient care by dramatically reducing the complications related to routine adhesive securement changes and sutures.

What impact does SecurAcath have?

Modelling shows a savings of £9-95 per patient compared to the Statlock adhesive securement device. Cost savings result from shorter maintenance times and less need for device replacement when using SecurAcath. Annual savings across the NHS in England from using SecurAcath are estimated to be a minimum of £4.2 million based on data reviewed by the NICE Advisory Committee. NICE estimated that 128,000 patients were eligible for the SecurAcath each year in England.

NICE concluded that the case for adopting SecurAcath is supported by the evidence. Using SecurAcath avoids the need for securement device replacement and is associated with a low incidence of catheter- associated complications, such as migration, occlusion, phlebitis, thrombosis and infection.

From April 2021 SecurAcath is one of four technologies included under the new NHS MedTech Funding Mandate.

How do you find out more?

Visit SecurAcath to find out more

Alternatively, get in touch with a member of the project team below.