SecurAcath for securing cerebrospinal fluid catheters

Level of innovation

Two specialist commentators considered SecurAcath to be somewhat innovative, whereas the third commentator thought it to be a novel concept in the context of ventricular drainage. One of the commentators noted that a better estimate of the frequency of catheter displacement for CSF drainage would be useful in contextualising whether SecurAcath addresses an unmet need.

Potential patient impact

All 3 specialist commentators stated that the device has the potential to improve patient experience if it prevents dislodgement and reduces the frequency of catheter revision or replacement. The commentators also agreed that it has the potential to reduce infection risk and rates. One specialist said that SecurAcath could also reduce pain and distress, and avoid prolonged hospital stays.

Potential system impact

All 3 specialist commentators were of the opinion that user training would be necessary for SecurAcath. One explained that the additional cost of SecurAcath is considerable, and the other 2 noted that few patients ultimately need external drainage. One commentator noted that it is unclear how there would be repeat costs for adhesive securement devices in patients in whom SecurAcath was not used who have external ventricular drainage or a lumbar drain.

One specialist stated that there is insufficient evidence to suggest that using SecurAcath would have an impact on the small number of patients having catheter placement to treat hydrocephalus. Two specialists stated that SecurAcath could be beneficial for these patients and reduce costs if it prevented repeat visits to theatre for catheter revision or reduced infection risk. Even in this case, 2 specialists agreed that the device would be more likely to generate savings if catheter displacement occurred in a large number of people needing CSF drainage.

General comments

One specialist commentator stated that the evidence is from a small sample, with no comparator to show whether accidental displacement is a common problem. A second specialist expressed a need to study whether SecurAcath affects external ventricular drainage infection rates or skin complications.

One specialist stated that it is difficult to quantify the number of accidental removals or dislocations of CSF drainage catheters; 2 specialists estimated that 5% to 10% of catheters will become displaced. One of the commentators also expressed concern that a catheter could still be accidentally removed with SecurAcath in place, and that the anchors of the device would cause extra problems because of skin tearing.