For patients who require home parenteral nutrition (PN), vascular access with a central venous catheter (CVC) is needed. Complications of long-term CVCs include infection, thrombosis, and malfunction (e.g., breakage/dislodgement). One of the most common reasons for hospitalization in patients on home PN is catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI).
Although CVC removal and replacement may be required as part of the treatment plan, repeated line removal and replacement procedures can threaten vascular access over time. As such, for those patients on home PN and/or those who have existing vascular access challenges, an attempt at catheter salvage should be considered.

References:
- Bering J, DiBaise JK. Home Parenteral and Enteral Nutrition. Nutrients. 2022 Jun 21;14(13):2558.
- Pironi L, Cuerda C, Jeppesen PB, et al. ESPEN guideline on chronic intestinal failure in adults – Update 2023. Clin Nutr. 2023 Oct;42(10):1940-2021.