SecurePort IV tissue adhesive for use with percutaneous catheters

The technology described in this briefing is SecurePort IV. It is a tissue adhesive used for securing percutaneous catheters.

The innovative aspects are that SecurePort IV combines the actions of multiple products to seal and secure catheter insertion sites and aims to reduce microbial infection. The technology also cures flexibly to act like a second layer of skin.

The intended place in therapy would be as an alternative to standard care in people with percutaneous catheters.

The main points from the evidence summarised in this briefing are from 1 non-randomised comparative study, 1 observational study and 1 retrospective study including a total of 107 adults and 1,842 newborn babies under 28 days old with peripherally inserted central catheters. They show that SecurePort IV is more effective than standard care in securing percutaneous catheters.

Key uncertainties around the evidence or technology are that there are no published randomised controlled trials which compare SecurePort IV with other securement technologies for catheters. No studies have been done in an NHS context. Although there are larger studies of other cyanoacrylate tissue adhesives, the study populations for SecurePort IV have been relatively small.

Experts advised that the technology could reduce the rates of catheter dislodgement and infection as well as reducing the need for more frequent dressing changes because of bleeding after insertion. No changes would be needed to existing clinical facilities, but they noted training would be needed because of the nature of the adhesive.

The cost of SecurePort IV is £5 per unit (excluding VAT).