CompletedNot Applicable

Bacterial Colonization After Tunneling in Femoral Perineural Catheters

France338 participantsStarted 2009-12

Plain-language summary

Background: Bacterial colonization of peripheral nerve catheters is frequent, although infection is relatively rare. With central venous catheters, the tunneling of catheter into the subcutaneous tissue significantly decreases catheter colonization and catheter-related sepsis. Purpose: The aim of this study is to evaluate the incidence of bacterial colonization in adult patients with femoral tunnelized perineural nerve catheters. Methods: A total of 338 patients with femoral catheter will be included in the study. The patients will be randomized to be included in the control group (without tunnelling) or in the group with catheter tunneled 2-3 cm subcutaneously. After removal, catheter will be analyzed for colonization (primary outcome). Quantitative culture will be used as described by Brun-Buisson for intravascular catheters. The site of insertion will be monitored daily for any signs of infection (secondary outcome). Perspective: To show the incidence of femoral perineural catheter colonization is low with subcutaneous tunneling

Who can participate

Age range

18 Years

Sex

ALL

See this in plain English?

AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.

Inclusion Criteria: * Patients scheduled to undergo scheduled orthopaedic surgery performed with a femoral perineural catheter Exclusion Criteria: * Age under 18 years * Local nerve pathology * Refusal to regional anaesthesia * Major psychological disorder * Major cardiac conduction disease * Infection at the puncture site

Questions worth asking your doctor

Bring these to your next appointment. They're a starting point for a shared conversation — not a sign you qualify or a recommendation to enrol.

1Based on my diagnosis and history, is this trial worth exploring for me — or is there a standard treatment we should try first?
2What does this trial's phase tell us about how much is already known about its safety and benefit?
3What would taking part actually involve for me — visits, tests, time, and travel?
4What are the known and possible risks or side effects I should weigh, and how would they be monitored?
5If this trial isn't the right fit, what other options or trials would you suggest I look into?

Generated to help you prepare — always confirm anything about your own eligibility and care with the study team and your doctor.

Questions for the trial coordinator

The trial coordinator is the person who runs the study day to day. These cover the practical side — logistics, costs, and what taking part would actually mean for your life. The study team confirms whether you meet the criteria; these are questions to ask, not a sign you qualify.

1What does taking part actually involve week to week — how many visits, where, and how long does each one take?
2What costs are covered by the study, and what might I have to pay for myself, including travel, parking, or time off work?
3What happens during screening, and what happens if the study team confirms I don't meet the criteria after those tests?
4Who pays for the scans, blood work, and other tests the trial requires — the study, my insurance, or me?
5How will being in the trial affect my regular care, and will my own doctor stay informed and involved?
6Can I leave the trial at any point if I change my mind, and what would happen to my care if I do?

A starting point for the conversation — always confirm anything about your own eligibility, costs, and care with the study team and your doctor.

What they're measuring

incidence of femoral perineural catheter colonization

Timeframe: between 24 hours and 72 hours

Trial details

NCT IDNCT01016925

SponsorUniversity Hospital, Rouen

Sponsor typeOTHER

Study typeINTERVENTIONAL

Primary completion2011-12

View on ClinicalTrials.gov More Bacterial Colonization trials