Comparing heparin and saline for sealing peripheral venous catheters

Heparinization vs Salinization of the Peripheral Venous Catheter: a Randomized Clinical Trial

Not applicable Interventional Consorci Sanitari de l'Alt Penedès i Garraf · NCT05209841

This study is testing whether using low-dose heparin instead of normal saline can help keep peripheral venous catheters in place longer for hospitalized patients.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment3450 (estimated)
Ages18 Years to 100 Years
SexAll
SponsorConsorci Sanitari de l'Alt Penedès i Garraf Academic / other
Locations1 site (Sant Pere de Ribes, Barcelona)
Trial IDNCT05209841 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial aims to compare the effectiveness of using low-dose heparin versus normal saline for sealing peripheral venous catheters in hospitalized patients. A total of 3,450 patients at the Hospital Residencia Sant Camil in Catalonia, Spain, will be randomly assigned to receive either treatment. The primary outcome will measure the percentage of catheters removed due to obstruction, while secondary outcomes will include rates of catheter-associated phlebitis, bacteremia, extravasation, and catheter loss. The study will employ a double-blind design to ensure unbiased results.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old who are hospitalized and require a peripheral venous line for treatment.

Not a fit: Patients with allergies to heparin or those requiring specific types of venous catheters for diagnostic tests or blood transfusions may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could lead to improved management of peripheral venous catheters, reducing complications and enhancing patient care.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have explored similar approaches, but this specific comparison of heparin versus saline in this context is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Patients older than 18 yo, admitted to the Hospital Residencia Sant Camil
* Patients with at least one peripheral venous line for discontinuous treatment, which has not been channeled in a medical emergency situation.
* Written informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

* Allergy to heparin
* Patients treated with unfractionated sodium heparin.
* Patients in dialysis
* Patients with a venous catheter indicated for diagnosis tests.
* Patients with a venous catheter indicated for blood transfusion
* Severe heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in recent months
* Active uncontrollable bleeding during admission
* Brain aneurysm or dissecting aorta, except in association with corrective surgery.
* Confirmed / suspected cerebrovascular hemorrhage
* Severe uncontrolled hypertension
* Severe alterations in platelet coagulation \<30,000, TP\> 1.7 APTT ratio\> 1.7 ratio.
* Patient included in another clinical trial with drugs or procedures that may affect the patency of venous catheters.

Where this trial is running

Sant Pere de Ribes, Barcelona

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Catheter ComplicationsCatheterization, PeripheralCatheter Obstruction
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.