Reusing single-use cardiac catheters.

There does not appear to be clear-cut evidence that reuse of catheters causes an increase in the incidence of side effects like infections. However, there is concern in the field that current cleaning and sterilizing techniques do not guarantee a safe product for reuse. If reuse is to occur, there must be written guidelines and procedures for cleaning/sterilizing, and appropriate documentation of these processes whenever they occur. The CCOHTA report focuses on the issues mentioned above. Three major studies concluded that, with rigorous cleaning and sterilizing, patients are not subjected to an increased risk of infection. However, the authors stated that further work needs to be done in this area before conclusive evidence can be presented. What is needed is a well-designed clinical trial; standardized guidelines and protocols for cleaning and sterilizing; criteria for determining numbers of reuses; and complete cost-benefit analyses.