[Intravascular device-related infection].

Intravascular device-related infection is one of the most important nosocomial infections. More than 200,000 cases with blood stream infection occur each year and most of them are related to the use of an intravascular device in United States. The microorganisms most frequently involved are Staphylococcus epidermidis, Staphylococcus aureus and Candida spp. It is very important to prevent and treat the catheter-related infections. Many researches have been done to develop methods for preventing and treating intravascular device-related infection. They include diagnosis of catheter-infections, appropriate barrier precautions during catheter insertion, intervals for replacement of catheters, catheter-site care, site of catheter insertion and type of catheter material. Furthermore novel approaches are needed for prevention and treatment of the intravascular device-related infection.