ISS publishes new clinical guidelines for adult vascular access management

The Istituto Superiore di Sanità (ISS) has released new clinical-assistential practice recommendations (RBPCA) regarding the hospital management of vascular access in adult patients. Coordinated by SIAARTI and the Italian Vascular Access Society (IVAS), the document aims to standardize medical practices across Italy and reduce organizational variability between different healthcare facilities.

The guidelines address twelve fundamental clinical questions using the GRADE methodology, covering topics such as device implantation, tip position verification, infection prevention, thrombotic complication management, and device maintenance. Notably, the recommendations strongly advise the use of real-time ultrasound-guided venipuncture over traditional landmark-based techniques for central venous catheter placement.

The development process involved a multidisciplinary collaboration between various scientific societies, including SIT, SITI, SIMPIOS, SIN, SIMI, AIOM, SIMIT, and SIPMEL, alongside significant contributions from nursing associations such as AIIAO, ANIMO, ANIPIO, ANIARTI, and CNAI. The project also incorporated input from oncology patients and caregivers to ensure a comprehensive approach to patient safety.