Cuidados de enfermagem a clientes com fistula arteriovenosa: uma revisão integrativa da literatura / Nursing care to clients with arteriovenous fistula: an integrative review of the literature / Atención de enfermería a clientes con fístula arteriovenosa: una revisión integrativa de la literatura

Objetivo: descrever os cuidados da equipe de enfermagem aos clientes portadores de Fistula Arteriovenosa (FAV). Método: revisão integrativa de literatura, que utilizou como questão de busca: quais são os cuidados da equipe de enfermagem aos clientes portadores de fístula arteriovenosa? A busca foi realizada na Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde, nas bases de dados: MEDLINE, LILACS e BDENF; PubMed; Portal de Periódicos da Capes, nas bases SCOPUS e CINAHL, em agosto de 2018. Resultados: foram encontrados três artigos indexados na LILACS e dois na CINAHL. Emergiu a categoria analítica do estudo intitulada: Cuidados de enfermagem aos clientes portadores de FAV, e duas unidades de decodificação: "Incorporação de evidências sobre a FAV, para se pensar os cuidados de enfermagem" e "Atuação da equipe de enfermagem na preservação da FAV: pensando o autocuidado". Conclusões: os cuidados de enfermagem aos clientes portadores de FAV perpassaram pela durabilidade e a manutenção do seu funcionamento

Objective: to describe the care of nursing staff to customers bearers of Arteriovenous Fistula (AVF). Method: integrative Review of literature, which used as search question: what are the care of nursing staff to customers bearers of arteriovenous fistula? The search was conducted in the health Virtual Library, in the databases BDENF, LILACS and MEDLINE; PubMed; Capes Journal Portal, CINAHL, SCOPUS and bases in August 2018. Results: were found three articles indexed at LILACS and two in CINAHL. Analytical category emerged the study entitled: nursing care to clients suffering from AVF, and two units of decoding: "incorporation of evidence about the FAV, to think about nursing care" and "performance of nursing staff in preservation of FAV: thinking self-care". Conclusions: the nursing care to clients suffering from perpassaram FAV durability and maintenance of your operation

Objetivo: para describir el cuidado de enfermería personal para portadores de clientes de la fístula arteriovenosa (AVF). Método: integral revisión de la literatura, que utiliza como pregunta de la búsqueda: ¿Cuáles son los cuidados de enfermería personal para portadores de fístula arteriovenosa de los clientes? La búsqueda se realizó en la Biblioteca Virtual, de la salud en las bases de datos, BDENF, LILACS y MEDLINE; PubMed; CAPES Portal diario, CINAHL, SCOPUS y en agosto de 2018. Resultados: se encontraron tres artículos indizados en LILACS y dos en CINAHL. Categoría analítica surgió el estudio titulado: atención a clientes de AVF y dos unidades de decodificación de enfermería: "incorporación de la evidencia acerca de la FAV, a pensar en cuidados de enfermería" y "rendimiento del personal de enfermería preservación de la FAV: autocuidado de pensamiento" . Conclusiones: la atención de enfermería a clientes que sufren de perpassaram FAV durabilidad y mantenimiento de su operación

Contextual Barriers to Communication Between Physicians and Nurses About Appropriate Catheter Use.

BACKGROUND: Indwelling urinary and vascular catheters are a common cause of health care-associated infections. Interventions designed to reduce catheter use can be ineffective if they are not integrated into the workflow and communication streams of busy clinicians. OBJECTIVES: To characterize communication barriers between physicians and nurses and to understand how these barriers affect appropriate use and removal of indwelling urinary and vascular catheters. METHODS: Individual and small-group semistructured interviews were conducted with physicians and nurses in a progressive care unit of an academic hospital. Common themes were identified, analyzed, and then organized using a conceptual framework of contextual barriers to communication: organizational, cognitive, and social complexity. RESULTS: Several barriers to communication between physicians and nurses contributed to inappropriate use and delayed removal of catheters. Workflow misalignment between clinicians was a barrier associated with organizational complexity, issues with electronic medical records and pagers were associated with cognitive complexity, and strained relationships between clinicians and rigid hierarchies were associated with social complexity. CONCLUSIONS: Communication is contextual, and improving physician-nurse communication about appropriate catheter use may require innovations that address the identified contextual barriers.

Prevenção de infecções relacionadas ao cateter venoso central não implantado de curta permanência / Prevention of infections relating to the short-term, non-implanted, central-line catheter / Prevención de infecciones relacionadas con el catéter venoso central no implantado de corta permanencia

Objetivo: apresentar o estado do conhecimento científico sobre os cuidados de enfermagem relacionados à prevenção e controle de infecções relacionadas ao cateter venoso central não implantado de curta permanência. Conteúdo: destaca-se a importância dos cuidados de enfermagem baseados em evidências e amparados pela legislação do exercício profissional vigente: identificação de sinais e sintomas sugestivos de colonização e/ou infecção, cuidados relacionados ao óstio de inserção e à manutenção do dispositivo, incluindo uso de antissépticos, coberturas e infusão de soluções para manutenção da permeabilidade e prevenção de infecções. Conclusão: para evitar as complicações decorrentes da inserção e manutenção do cateter é necessário que a equipe de saúde possua capacitação técnico-científica baseada em evidências quanto às práticas de cuidado e trabalhem de forma sincronizada e consistente com o objetivo de garantir assistência efetiva e segura.

Objective: to present the state of scientific knowledge about nursing care in prevention and control of infections relating to the short-term, non -implanted, central-line catheter. Content: the study highlighted the importance of evidence-based nursing care supported by current legislation on professional practice: identification of signs and symptoms of colonization and/or infection, care for the insertion site and maintenance of the device, including use of antiseptics, topical products and infusion solutions for maintaining permeability and preventing infection. Conclusion: prevention of complications resulting from catheter insertion and maintenance requires that the health team have evidence-based technical and scientific training in care practices, and work in a synchronized and consistent manner for the purpose of ensuring effective, safe care.

Objetivo: presentar el estado de conocimiento científico sobre la atención de enfermería en cuanto a la prevención y el control de infecciones relacionadas con el catéter venoso central no implantado de corta permanencia. Contenido: se destaca la importancia de la atención de enfermería basada en evidencia y respaldada por la legislación actual de la práctica profesional: identificación de signos y síntomas de colonización y/o infección, cuidado relacionado con la apertura de inserción y el mantenimiento del dispositivo, incluyendo el uso de antisépticos, productos tópicos e infusión de soluciones para el mantenimiento de la permeabilidad y la prevención de infecciones. Conclusión: para evitar las complicaciones derivadas de la inserción y el mantenimiento del catéter es necesario que el equipo de salud tenga capacitación técnico-científica basada en evidencias en cuanto a las prácticas de atención y trabaje de forma sincronizada y consistente con el objetivo de garantizar una atención efectiva y segura

Rectal Trumpet-Associated Hemorrhage in the Intensive Care Unit: A Quality Improvement Initiative.

The rectal trumpet (RT) is a nasopharyngeal airway device that is inserted into the rectum for management of fecal incontinence. No published data exist on adverse events caused by the use of an RT. The purpose of this quality improvement project was to determine the rate of RT-associated hemorrhage among patients treated with an RT in our transplant intensive care unit (TICU). This quality improvement initiative and retrospective medical record review included all patients (N = 3933) cared for in a single specialty intensive care unit at a tertiary academic medical center between January 1, 2014, and May 31, 2016. We estimate that approximately 400 patients were treated with an RT. We found 3 possible and 9 probable cases of RT-associated hemorrhage, resulting in an estimated incident rate of 3% among RT-treated patients. All of these patients underwent invasive procedures for hemostasis. They received a mean of 4.9 units of packed red blood cell transfusions, and 9 experienced hypotension. Eight out of the 9 probable RT-associated hemorrhage patients experienced hemorrhage only after greater than 7 days of treatment with an RT. Following this initiative, RT use was banned in our TICU. The use of RTs can cause hemorrhage with clinically significant consequences.

Aportación de la ecografía realizada por enfermería a la exploración del acceso vascular / Contribution of the ultrasound performed by nursing to the exploration of vascular access

En los últimos años, ha comenzado a usarse por parte de enfermería la ecografía vascular en las unidades de diálisis, mejorando el conocimiento del acceso vascular (AV), ayudando en la elección de las zonas de canulación y aumentando la confianza en los AV nuevos o dificultosos. Nuestro objetivo es describir los motivos de exploración del AV con ecógrafo, los hallazgos encontrados y contrastarlos con el servicio de radiología. Es un estudio observacional, descriptivo en 22 pacientes con fistula arteriovenosa (FAV). Diseñamos un registro donde se recogieron los datos de las exploraciones ecográficas y se explotaron con el programa SPSS15. Se realizaron 37 exploraciones en 22 pacientes. Las principales causas de la exploración fueron: dificultad o dolor en las punciones, localización de nuevas zonas de punción, extravasaciones previas, vigilancia en la maduración de la FAV y seguimiento de FAV. Hallamos 35.1% con trombos, 8.1% circulación colateral, 5.4% colecciones/hematomas y 13.5% estenosis. De los 22 pacientes, 6 se derivaron a radiología y se contrastaron 2 estenosis, 1 disminución de flujo y 1 trombo. Las exploraciones ecográficas realizadas por enfermería de forma autónoma se identifican disfunciones del AV aportándonos mayor información sobre el AV (AU)

In recent years, vascular ultrasound has been used in nursing dialysis units, improving knowledge of vascular access (VA), helping in the selection of cannulation zones and increasing confidence in new or difficult VAs. Our objective is to describe the reasons for the exploration of VA with ultrasound, the findings found and contrast them with the radiology service. It is an observational, descriptive study in 22 patients with arteriovenous fistula (AVF). We designed a graph where data from ultrasound scans were collected and exploited with SPSS15. The sample consisted of 22 patients. There were 37 explorations. The main causes of the exploration were mainly difficulty or pain in the punctures followed by the localization of new areas of puncture, previous extravasations, surveillance in the maturation of AVF and follow-up of AVF. We found 35.1% with thrombi, 8.1% collateral circulation, 5.4% collections / hematomas and 13.5% stenosis. Of the 22 patients, 6 were referred to radiology and 2 stenosis, 1 decrease of flow and 1 thrombus were tested. A high number of ultrasound examinations by nursing are carried out autonomously with which AV dysfunctions are identified, contributing more information about AV (AU)

Proposta de um software-protótipo para uso na assistência a pacientes com cateter central de inserção periférica (PICC) / Propuesta de software-prototipo para uso en la asistencia a los pacientes con catéter central insertado periféricamente (PICC) / Proposal for a software-prototype to assist patients with peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC)

Objective: to propose a software prototype as a strategy to improve the communication process and records pertaining to the nursing care of patients undergoing Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC), and describe the steps for designing a software prototype. Methods: Intervention Research was used in the Intervention Process modality and as a method of operation the Prototyping associated to computer tools. Results: A simple graphics interface computerized model was created and designed to be used in open or private virtual networks. Conclusion: Development of the software prototype to run on web network will make the practical implementation process. It adds that validation with health staff will be carried out before use.

Objetivo: propor um software-protótipo como estratégia para melhorar o processo de comunicação e os registros relativos ao cuidado de enfermagem a pacientes com cateter central de inserção periférica (PICC) e descrever os passos para a construção de um protótipo de software. Métodos: Utilizou-se da Pesquisa de Intervenções, na modalidade de Processo de Intervenção e como método de operacionalização a Prototipação associados a instrumentos de informática. Resultado: Foi criado um modelo computadorizado de interface gráfica simples e projetado para uso em redes abertas ou fechadas. Conclusão: O desenvolvimento do software-protótipo para funcionar em rede web tornará o processo de implantação mais prático. Acrescenta-se que validação com equipe de saúde será realizada antes da utilização.

Objetivo: proponer un prototipo de software como una estrategia para mejorar el proceso de comunicación y del registro de los cuidados de enfermería a pacientes con catéter central insertado periféricamente (PICC) y describir los pasos para construir un prototipo de software. Métodos: Se utilizaron las intervenciones de investigación, en forma de proceso de intervención y cómo el método de funcionamiento de prototipos asociado con herramientas informáticas. Resultado: Se creó un modelo de ordenador de interfaz gráfica simple y diseñada para su uso en redes abiertas o cerradas. Conclusión: El desarrollo del prototipo de software se ejecute en la red web hará que el proceso de aplicación práctica. Añade que la validación con el personal de salud se llevará a cabo antes de su uso.

Evaluación de complicaciones de la fístula arteriovenosa para hemodiálisis según la técnica de canalización / Evaluation of complications of arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis according to the puncture technique

Introducción: La fístula arteriovenosa es el acceso vascular de elección para los tratamientos en hemodiálisis, puncionado periódicamente tres veces por semana. Existen tres tipos de técnicas de punción: en escalera, en área de punción y buttonhole. Las técnicas convencionales son causantes de gran morbilidad a medio y largo plazo, sin embargo, el Buttonhole está asociado a priori a la mejoraría de esos problemas. Objetivo: Comparar la técnica de punción de buttonhole con respecto a las técnicas convencionales para la canulación del acceso vascular en el tratamiento de Hemodiálisis, en función del grado de dolor asociado a la técnica, tasas de infección asociadas y la repercusión sobre la supervivencia del acceso vascular. Material y Método: Revisión bibliográfica narrativa. Se incluyeron estudios experimentales y observacionales en inglés y castellano publicados entre 2010 y 2015, que compararan la técnica de punción convencional respecto a la técnica de punción Buttonhole. Selección inicial por título y resumen. Se utilizaron las escalas CASPe y STROBE para la evaluación metodológica. Resultados: Se identificaron 1.827 estudios, de los que seleccionamos 13 tras el proceso de evaluación crítica. La heterogeneidad de resultados no permite afirmar que ninguna de las técnicas analizadas mejore los resultados en dolor en la punción o supervivencia del acceso, sin embargo, se asocia un aumento de eventos infecciosos con la técnica de Buttonhole. Conclusión: no se han hallado argumentos para asegurar que el Buttonhole pueda ser considerado una técnica de primera elección, debido a la heterogeneidad de las formas de medida de los estudios revisados (AU)

Introduction: The arteriovenous fistula is the standard vascular access for the treatments in hemodialysis, punctured periodically three times per week. There are three types of puncture techniques: ladder, puncture area and buttonhole. Conventional techniques cause great morbidity in the medium and long term, however, a priori, the buttonhole technique is associated to the improvement of those problems. Objective: To compare the buttonhole puncture technique with respect to conventional techniques for vascular access cannulation in the treatment of hemodialysis, depending on the degree of pain associated with the technique, associated infection rates and the repercussion on vascular access survival. Material and Method: Narrative bibliographic review. Experimental and observational studies in English and Spanish published between 2010 and 2015 were included, comparing the conventional puncture technique versus the Buttonhole puncture technique. Initial selection by title and summary. The CASPe and STROBE scales were used for the methodological evaluation. Results: 1.827 studies were identified, of which 13 were selected after the critical evaluation process. The heterogeneity of results does not allow to affirm improvements of any of the techniques analyzed in puncture pain or survival of the access, nevertheless, it is associated an increase of infectious events with the Buttonhole technique. Conclusion: Any arguments have been found to ensure that Buttonhole technique can be considered as first choice due to the heterogeneity of the measurement methods of the reviewed studie (AU)

Comparison between types of dressing following catheter insertion and early exit-site infection in peritoneal dialysis.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To investigate whether the type of dressing used (occlusive vs. semi-occlusive) impacts on exit-site infection. BACKGROUND: The exit-site infections are a major predisposing factor for peritoneal dialysis-related peritonitis, the main cause of technique failure and an important cause of mortality. The care taken in exit-site dressing is considered an important procedure for the prevention of trauma and contamination of this area. Nevertheless, to our knowledge, no study has yet analysed the impact of different dressing types on early exit-site infection (up to two months after catheter insertion). DESIGN: A prospective observational study involving the BRAZPD II (Brazilian Peritoneal Dialysis Multicenter Study) cohort. METHODS: All incident patients with data available for dressing type applied following peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion were included in the study. A multilevel logistic regression model was used to compare the log-odds of exit-site infections between groups. RESULTS: A total of 2460 incident patients were included. Occlusive and semi-occlusive dressings were applied in 82·6% (n = 2031) and 17·4% (n = 427) of patients, respectively. Exit-site infection incidence was not affected by the type of dressing used, with a logit for occlusive dressing of 2·15 (95% CI 0·81-5·70). The combined outcome of exit-site infection and tunnel infection also showed no significance between the groups (logit 1·46, 95% CI 0·72-2·97). CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that the type of exit-site dressing used during the healing phase following peritoneal dialysis catheter insertion has no impact on early exit-site infection rates. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE: Provides evidence to support the similarity between occlusive and semi-occlusive dressing regarding infection rates in exit site of peritoneal dialysis catheter, therefore allowing the choice to be made accordingly to routine or availability.

Elements of dialysis nursing practice associated with successful cannulation: result of an international survey.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Vascular access (VA) cannulation is an essential skill for dialysis nurses: failure to correctly repeat this operation daily may result in serious complications for the patients. This study investigates if different aspects of arteriovenous fistula and graft cannulation have an effect on the development of acute access complications, which may affect the VA survival. METHODS: In April 2009 a cross-sectional survey was conducted in 171 dialysis units located in Europe, the Middle East and Africa to collect details on VA cannulation practices. Information on cannulation retrieved from the survey comprised fistula type and location, cannulation technique, needle size, use of disinfectants and of local anaesthetics, application of arm compression at the time of cannulation, needle and bevel direction, needle rotation, and needle fixation. Five categories of complications were investigated: multiple-cannulation, infiltration, haematoma, haemorrhage and unknown. RESULTS: There were 10,807 cannulation procedures evaluated in the same number of patients. Of these, 367 showed some kind of complication, the most frequent (33.8%) being the need for multiple-cannulation. The following were associated with a significantly higher odds ratio for occurrence of an acute complication: prescription of back-eye needles, use of rope-ladder cannulation technique, insertion of venous needle as first needle, and rotation of the arterial needle. Use of 16-17-gauge needles was also significantly associated with complications, but this possibly reflects poor quality of the VA. CONCLUSIONS: The risk of an acute VA complication could be reduced with appropriate training of nurses, physicians and patients. This could potentially prolong the VA life.

Reabilitação de crianças e adolescentes com mielomeningocele: relato de experiência de atuação da enfermagem / Rehabilitación de niños y adolescentes con mielomeningocele: relato de experiencia de la práctica de enfermería / Rehabilitation of children and adolescents with myelomeningocele: nursing practice report

RESUMO O artigo foi desenvolvido por enfermeiras com mais de cinco anos de atuação, em uma rede de hospitais de reabilitação no Brasil, referência em toda a América Latina. O objetivo do presente estudo é de relatar a atuação de enfermeiras na reabilitação de crianças e adolescentes com mielomeningocele. As autoras realizaram reuniões presenciais e por videoconferência, discussões e troca de experiências até o consenso e validação do conteúdo. O relato foi organizado e dividido em três tópicos: capacitação para as atividades de vida diária; capacitação para a reabilitação vesicointestinal; capacitação para as atividades de vida prática: autonomia e participação. As famílias de indivíduos com mielomeningocele enfrentam dificuldades relacionadas à condição crônica e à escassez de serviço estruturado e humanizado que garanta e capacite quanto ao cuidado domiciliar. O desafio é fornecer subsídios que orientem profissionais na manutenção do cuidado domiciliar, melhorando a comunicação e promovendo a capacitação dos familiares das crianças e adolescentes com mielomeningocele.

RESUMEN El artículo fue desarrollado por enfermeras con más de cinco años de experiencia, en una red de hospitales de rehabilitación en Brasil, una referencia en América Latina. El objetivo de este estudio es dar a conocer la actuación de enfermeras en la rehabilitación de niños y adolescentes con mielomeningocele. Las autoras llevaron a cabo reuniones en persona y por videoconferencias, debates e intercambio de experiencias hasta el consenso y la validación del contenido. El relato fue organizado y dividido en tres temas: capacitación para las actividades de la vida diaria; capacitación para la rehabilitación vesicointestinal; capacitación para las actividades de la vida cotidiana: autonomía y participación. Las familias de las personas con mielomeningocele enfrentan dificultades relacionadas con la condición crónica y la falta de servicio estructurado y humanizado que garantice y capacite en cuanto al cuidado en el hogar. El reto es proporcionar subsidios que guíen a los profesionales en el mantenimiento de la atención domiciliaria, mejorando la comunicación y promoviendo la capacitación de los familiares de los niños y adolescentes con mielomeningocele.

ABSTRACT This article was developed by nurses with more than five years of practice, at a network of rehabilitation hospitals in Brazil, reference in Latin America. The objective of the present study is to report the activity of nurses in the rehabilitation of children and adolescents with myelomeningocele. The authors held face-to-facemeetings and videoconferences, discussions and exchange of experiences until a consensus was reached and the content was validated. The report was organized and divided into three topics: training for activities of daily living; training for vesicointestinal rehabilitation; training for activities of practical life: autonomy and participation. Families of individuals with myelomeningocele face difficulties related to the chronic condition and lack of structure and humanized services that guarantee and qualify home care. The challenge consists of providing subsidizes that guide professionals in the maintenance of home care, improving communication and training family members of children and adolescents with myelomeningocele.

BJN Awards 2016: IV therapy.

Claire Rickard Professor of Nursing, National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) Centre of Research Excellence in Nursing, Griffith University, was awarded second place in the BJN Awards 2016 for IV Therapy Nurse of the Year. Here she talks about the she has done to be recognised in this field.

Cuidados enfermeros al paciente portador de drenaje torácico / Nursing care for patient with thoracic drainage

El drenaje torácico consiste en la colocación de una sonda en el espacio pleural para evacuar la presencia de aire, líquido o sangre, lo cual produce un colapso pulmonar de grado variable con repercusión clínica en función de la reserva ventilatoria previa del paciente y el grado de colapso. Existen varios modelos de tubos torácicos, así como de sistemas de drenaje pleural. Los sistemas cerrados de drenaje torácico actuales son desechables y garantizan un manejo óptimo y seguro para el paciente. Los cuidados de Enfermería son fundamentales durante todo el proceso de instauración de dichos drenajes, tanto en la preparación del paciente, inserción y mantenimiento adecuado para el éxito del tratamiento, como durante la extracción y posterior atención, por lo que conocerlos principios técnicos básicos para una correcta utilización permitirá un mantenimiento eficaz y eficiente del sistema de drenaje y el control, el seguimiento y la evaluación del paciente

Thoracic drainage consists of placing a tube in the pleural cavity to evacuate air, fluid or blood, which leads to pulmonary collapse of a variable degree with a clinical repercussion depending on the patient’s previous ventilation reserve and the extent of collapse. There are several models of thoracic tubes, as well as pleural drainage systems. Current thoracic closed drainage systems are disposable and guarantee optimal and safe patient management. Nursing care is fundamental throughout the process of placement of drainage systems, both in terms of preparation of the patient, insertion and proper maintenance for the success of the treatment, as well as the removal and after-care; therefore, knowledge of the basic technical principles for correct use thereof will enable effective and efficient maintenance of the drainage system and the control, follow-up and evaluation of the patient

[Improve the extravasation assessment of peripheral venous catheter by nurses, with the establishment of a standardized instrument and suitable for children] / Amélioration de la mesure d'extravasation des cathéters veineux périphériques par les infirmières en pédiatrie, grâce à l'utilisation d'un instrument d'évaluation spécifique.

In pediatric and neonatal intensive care units, severity assessment of extravasation is difficult, considering the specificity of this population. The purpose of this study was to demonstrate the ability to improve the measurement of extravasation by nurses with the establishment of a standardized instrument and suitable for children. 66 nurses, randomly assigned to two groups, assessed the severity of extravasations using 15 clinical vignettes.The intervention group with the Pediatric Peripheral Intravenous Infiltration Scale (PIV Scale) (n=33) and the control group based on clinical judgment only (n=33). The reference were obtained from a group of experts. For both groups, concordance and sensitivity were calculated. Concordance and sensitivity were improved by the use of the PIV scale κ=0,62 (IC 95% ; 0,57-0,67) vs κ=0,51 (IC 95 % ; 0,45-0,57), and (69 %) vs (60 %) (p<0,001), respectively. Severity assessment of extravasation on peripheral venous accesses by nurses was improved with the use of the PIV scale, compared to clinical judgment. As this study was based on clinical vignettes, further studies are needed to confirm these results in clinical setting.

Reduced Silent Occlusions with a Novel Catheter Infusion Set (BD FlowSmart): Results from Two Open-Label Comparative Studies.

BACKGROUND: Insulin pump users experience periods of unexplained hyperglycemia. In some cases these may be due to insulin flow interruptions termed "silent occlusions," which occur without activating the pump alarm and may require set replacement. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In-line pressure profiles of a novel infusion set with a 6-mm, 28-gauge polymer, dual-ported catheter (BD FlowSmart™; Becton Dickinson and Co., Franklin Lakes, NJ) were compared with those of an existing infusion set (Quick-set®; Medtronic MiniMed, Northridge, CA) in two separate studies involving insulin diluent infusions over 2.5-4.5-h periods in healthy adults without diabetes. Study 1, a pilot study (n = 25), compared the occurrence of flow interruption events (silent occlusions and/or occlusion alarms) between the two infusion sets and between manual or device-assisted insertion methods. Study 2 (n = 60) was designed to show ≥50% reduction in flow interruption events with the BD set after manual insertions. (Silent occlusions were defined by a continuous pressure rise for ≥30 min.) RESULTS: In Study 1, significantly fewer silent occlusions were seen with BD FlowSmart versus Quick-set infusion sets for both manual (three of 22 [13.6%] vs. 12 of 24 [50%]; P = 0.012) and mechanical (two of 24 [8.3%] vs. nine of 25 [36%]; P = 0.037) insertions, yielding risk reductions of 73% (95% confidence interval [CI], 25-91%) and 77% (95% CI, 17-94%), respectively. In Study 2, flow interruption events occurred in three of 117 (2.6%) and 12 of 118 (10.2%) BD FlowSmart and Quick-set infusion sets, respectively, yielding a 75% risk reduction (95% CI, 20-92%; P = 0.030). Percentage of time with flow interruption was significantly lower with BD sets in both studies (P < 0.02). Leakage (>0.5 IU or 5 µL) occurred infrequently and did not differ between sets. CONCLUSIONS: A novel side-ported insulin infusion set demonstrated significant reductions in flow interruptions, including silent occlusions, versus a leading marketed set, which may improve insulin delivery.