This is the first editorial in a 3-part series on sutures used as improvised securement for external devices. After finishing this article, the reader will be able to:
Identify the indications for use of nonabsorbable sutures
Discuss the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Convenience Kits Interim Regulatory Guidance
Explain why sutures cannot be a catheter securement option in the central vascular access device (CVAD) kit
Acknowledge one action that can be taken to remove sutures from CVAD kits
I am going to start this with the facts about sutures. Sutures are excellent for wound closure but are not intended to secure external devices. Look at any instruction for use (IFU) document accompanying a nonabsorbable suture. You will not find a reference to securing external devices of any kind. The Figure is a summary of six IFUs for standard nonabsorbable suture types.
As indicated, all sutures are labeled for general...