A Simple Idea, Proven by Rigorous Science
A multicenter randomized controlled trial published in Critical Care Medicine is drawing global attention for its practical impact.
The STICKY Trial, led by Australian researcher Nicole Marsh, RN, PhD, found that adding gum mastic liquid adhesive (Mastisol®) to standard jugular central-line dressings:
- Cut premature dressing failure nearly in half
- Extended wear time more than two-fold
- Saved hospitals money
- And showed promising signals for infection prevention
“Maintaining effective dressing securement of central venous catheters in intensive care is a
clinical priority,” says Dr. Marsh. “Our study demonstrated that Mastisol kept dressings intact longer and reduced unnecessary changes. That means the insertion wound stays continually protected from contamination, and the risk of catheter dislodgement is reduced as well.”
Across four Australian ICUs, 160 critically ill patients with jugular central venous catheters
(CVCs) were enrolled.
Premature dressing failure fell from 50 percent in the control group to 28 percent with Mastisol. Median dressing life increased from 23.8 hours to 58.5 hours, producing an average savings of AUD $11 per patient in material and labor costs.
Continue reading “ICU Study Finds Simple Adhesive Step Improves Line Security, Cuts Costs”