PowerPICC (intravascular catheters)

History

2025: Becton Dickinson admits marriage

On April 18, 2025, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced that Becton Dickinson had acknowledged the existence of a defect in its intravascular PowerPICC series catheters. These products are likely to leak during infusions of any drugs.

PowerPICC catheters are designed for short-term or long-term peripheral access to the central venous system for intravenous therapy, contrast agents, etc. In addition, such articles can be used to monitor central venous pressure. Catheters are also suitable for high-flow infusions.

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Фото: Becton Dickinson

The FDA notice says that the cause of leaks is "material fatigue," which is used in the design of products. This can result in damage that mainly manifests as a transverse/circumferential crack in the catheter body. Risks associated with leaks include infiltration, extravasation, discomfort, phlebitis, bleeding, air embolism, foreign body embolism, infection, and interruption of therapy. As a result, serious harm can be done to the health of patients who receive treatment using PowerPICC. As of mid-April 2025, ten incidents related to the problem are known.

Becton Dickinson initiated a recall program. All health care providers who purchased the relevant products have been notified of the existence of a marriage. Facilities are advised to destroy all unused catheters that are prone to defect. If there is a suspicion of damage to products that are already used by patients, any infusions of drugs should be stopped immediately.^[1]

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