Method of reducing infections and/or air embolisms associated with vascular access procedures

摘要

A method of reducing infections associated with vascular access procedures. A powder containment device (PCD) is preferably adhesively attached to a skin area, the PCD having a hole formed centrally therethrough adapted to completely surround the catheter wound site. The open cavity formed by the PCD being attached to the skin is filled with a hemostatic agent of a salt ferrate and an insoluble cation exchange material. The salt ferrate combines with blood to form a trivalent Fe+++ ion promoting blood clotting and producing oxygen at the wound site for bacteria reduction. The cation exchange material also forms a protective cover over the wound site as the trivalent Fe+++ ion is formed. Semi-occlusive pressure is applied against the hemostatic agent for a time sufficient to arrest blood flow from the wound site right after inserting or removing the catheter. The PCD and hemostatic agent are then covered with an adhesive dressing. The occurrence of air embolisms introduced around the catheter is also reduced after the hemostatic agent has interacted to arrest blood flow around the catheter.