What is a driveline/cannula infection?
A driveline/cannula site infection is where there are organisms growing at the exit site of the driveline/cannula or along the tract which is causing infection.
The cannula/driveline exit site or tract may be red, be hot to touch, painful or have discharge coming from it. Organisms that cause infections can be bacteria, fungi or viruses.
How do you treat an infection?
An infection is treated with antibiotics. Those antibiotics are given as oral medicines or intravenous (straight into the bloodstream) and are selected specifically for the organism which is growing on the swabs.
Organisms can stick onto the plastic too and these can be very hard to get rid of with antibiotics and cleaning alone.
Why is my child being offered CAPT?
CAPT is a new therapy that directly targets the organisms that are on the skin and attached to the cannula/driveline. Some studies have shown it can help to reduce the severity of infection or even eliminate the infection. It may also help with healing of the skin at the site.
How does CAPT work?
CAPT is a beam of argon plasma which we direct at the cannula/driveline, during a dressing change.
Over a period of 2-5 minutes, the plasma breaks down the organism’s microscopic protective coat (the biofilm) and inactivates the organisms themselves. The CAPT does not go into the body or into the VAD.
What are the side effects?
There are safety precautions but at present there are no noted side effects of this treatment when used in the planned regime. Skin being treated may feel warm during the CAPT.
The treatment is done in a room with good ventilation. The argon beam must not be directed in the eyes but eye protection is not needed for driveline/cannula site use.
CAPT has been used in a small number of children, on various parts of the body, in published studies, with no problems. If your child experiences any side effects, you should inform the doctor/nurse.
What does the CAPT machine look like?
How often would my child need CAPT?
Your child will need to have this performed weekly if the swabs show bacteria but there is no active infection. If there is active infection it will be twice a week.
The CAPT treatment will be used at dressing changes for 2-5 minutes on each individual driveline/cannula site. This will prolong the time taken for the dressing change. The course will be up to 8 weeks.
After 8 weeks we will review whether CAPT should be stopped. Further courses may be needed as guided by the treating team.
Further information
PALS (Patient Advice and Liaison Service) for help, advice and information about NHS services. You can contact them on freephone 0800 032 02 02, e-mail [email protected] or text to 07815500015.
Useful websites
If you would like further information about health conditions and treatment options, you may wish to have a look at the NHS website at www.nhs.uk
Accessable provides accessibility information for our hospitals.
