The Effects of Needleless Connectors on Catheter-Related Thrombotic Occlusions

Needleless connectors have been introduced into clinical practice to prevent accidental needlestick injuries and associated bloodborne infections. Needleless connectors include the split-septum devices and the mechanical valves that are classified as neutral-, negative-, and positive-displacement types on the basis of their internal membrane or valve function. Some studies have reported that mechanical valves, especially positive-displacement …