Effectiveness of a Needle-free Connector With Anti-reflux Technology in Reducing Complications From Long Peripheral Venous Catheters in Hospitalised Adult Patients: Randomised Clinical Trial
FLUSH-ETI
1 other identifier
interventional
62
1 country
1
Brief Summary
A study to evaluate a needle-free connector (a stopper) featuring anti-reflux technology (to prevent blood from flowing back) for catheters (polyurethane tubes inserted into a vein), with the aim of reducing complications associated with these devices: blockages, infections, pain, etc.
Trial Health
Trial Health Score
Automated assessment based on enrollment pace, timeline, and geographic reach
participants targeted
Target at P50-P75 for not_applicable
Started Apr 2026
Shorter than P25 for not_applicable
1 active site
Health score is calculated from publicly available data and should be used for screening purposes only.
Trial Relationships
Click on a node to explore related trials.
Study Timeline
Key milestones and dates
First Submitted
Initial submission to the registry
April 2, 2026
CompletedFirst Posted
Study publicly available on registry
April 9, 2026
CompletedStudy Start
First participant enrolled
April 20, 2026
CompletedPrimary Completion
Last participant's last visit for primary outcome
December 31, 2026
ExpectedStudy Completion
Last participant's last visit for all outcomes
January 31, 2027
September 21, 2026
September 1, 2026
9 months
April 2, 2026
September 17, 2026
Conditions
Keywords
Outcome Measures
Primary Outcomes (1)
Number of participants who experienced device-related adverse events, classified according to CTCAE v5.0.
Percentage of participants experiencing adverse events following insertion of a long peripheral venous catheter and placement of a needle-free connector featuring neutral fluid displacement and anti-reflux technology (Clave™ Neutron™, Ref. 011-NC139).
7 days
Secondary Outcomes (1)
Number of participants with partial or complete occlusions in long peripheral venous catheters, as assessed using the CINAS scale (UZ Leuven®).
7 days
Study Arms (2)
Needle-free connector without anti-reflux technology
ACTIVE COMPARATORInsertion of a long peripheral venous catheters (PVCs) using the accelerated Seldinger technique (AST), followed by placement of a needle-free connector with neutral fluid displacement and no anti-reflux technology (Microclave® Clear, Ref. 011-MC3302).
Needle-free connector with anti-reflux technology
EXPERIMENTALInsertion of a long PVCs using the AST, followed by placement of a needle-free connector featuring neutral fluid displacement and anti-reflux technology (Clave™ Neutron™, Ref. 011-NC139).
Interventions
Placement of a needle-free connector with neutral fluid displacement and no anti-reflux technology onto a long PVC.
Placement of a needle-free connector featuring neutral fluid displacement and anti-reflux technology onto a long PVC.
Placement of a 20-gauge long PVC in an arm vein using the AST.
All punctures will be performed under ultrasound guidance.
Eligibility Criteria
You may qualify if:
- Patients requiring placement of a long peripheral venous catheter.
- Patients who have provided written informed consent.
- Patients with an expected hospital stay of ≥7 days.
You may not qualify if:
- \- Inability to place a long peripheral venous catheter in the upper limbs.
Contact the study team to confirm eligibility.
Sponsors & Collaborators
- Official College of Nurses of Lleidacollaborator
- Hospital Arnau de Vilanovalead
- Department of Health, Generalitat de Catalunyacollaborator
Study Sites (1)
Arnau de Vilanova University Hospital in Lleida
Lleida, Lleida, 25198, Spain
Related Publications (28)
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PMID: 26209949BACKGROUNDU.S. Department of Health and Human Services. Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (CTCAE) v.5.0. Cancer Ther Eval Progr [Internet]. 2017;155. Available from: https://ctep.cancer.gov/protocoldevelopment/electronic_applications/docs/ctcae_v5_quick_reference_5x7.pdf
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BACKGROUNDICU medical. Observational In-Vivo Evaluation of the NeutronTM Needlefree Catheter Patency Device and its Effects on Catheter Occlusions in a Home Care Setting [Internet]. icumed.com; 2011. p. 1-2. Available from: https://www.icumed.com/media/ddqd4cgy/p23-5809_neutron-catheter-patency-and-occlusions-home-care-setting_web.pdf
BACKGROUNDMoureau N, Gorski L, Flynn J, Johnson K. A Systematic Review of Needleless Connector Function and Occlusion Outcomes: Evidence Leading the Way. J Infus Nurs. 2025 Mar-Apr 01;48(2):84-105. doi: 10.1097/NAN.0000000000000578. Epub 2025 Mar 6.
PMID: 40047605BACKGROUNDNexus medical. Nexus TKO® Technology [Internet]. nexusmedical.com. 2022 [cited 2025 Jul 16]. p. 1-10. Available from: https://nexusmedical.com/tko-technology/
BACKGROUNDICU medical. ClaveTM NeutronTM: Anti-Reflux Neutral Displacement Needlefree Connector [Internet]. https://www.icumed.com/. 2025 [cited 2025 Jul 16]. p. 1-13. Available from: https://www.icumed.com/products/infusion-therapy/infusion-consumables/iv-connectors/clave-neutron/
BACKGROUNDBrodnik JE, Lieux SM, Serrano-Smith M, Bena JF, Siedlecki SL. PICC Line Occlusions: Implications and Opportunities for Medical-Surgical Nurses. MEDSURG Nurs [Internet]. 2023;32(5):305. Available from: https://www.jannettipublications.com/journal/470987/volume/474881/article/474947
BACKGROUNDWeber Y, Cohn-Schwartz D, Khamis S, Neuberger A, Berger G. Safety and efficacy of a new long peripheral catheter in hospitalized patients - a retrospective observational study. SAGE Open Med. 2025 Apr 29;13:20503121251337197. doi: 10.1177/20503121251337197. eCollection 2025.
PMID: 40309318BACKGROUNDGilardi E, Giannuzzi R, WoldeSellasie K, Piano A, Pittiruti M, Scoppettuolo G. Mini-midline in difficult intravenous access patients in emergency department: A prospective analysis. J Vasc Access. 2020 Jul;21(4):449-455. doi: 10.1177/1129729819883129. Epub 2019 Oct 24.
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BACKGROUND
MeSH Terms
Conditions
Condition Hierarchy (Ancestors)
Study Design
- Study Type
- interventional
- Phase
- not applicable
- Allocation
- RANDOMIZED
- Masking
- DOUBLE
- Who Masked
- PARTICIPANT, OUTCOMES ASSESSOR
- Masking Details
- Researchers will be responsible for catheter insertion and subsequent data collection; however, patients will be blinded to the type of needle-free connector used (with or without anti-reflux technology). In addition, the results will be evaluated by an independent researcher who is not involved in the data collection process.
- Purpose
- PREVENTION
- Intervention Model
- PARALLEL
- Sponsor Type
- OTHER
- Responsible Party
- PRINCIPAL INVESTIGATOR
- PI Title
- Nurse
Study Record Dates
First Submitted
April 2, 2026
First Posted
April 9, 2026
Study Start
April 20, 2026
Primary Completion (Estimated)
December 31, 2026
Study Completion (Estimated)
January 31, 2027
Last Updated
September 21, 2026
Record last verified: 2026-09
Data Sharing
- IPD Sharing
- Will share
- Shared Documents
- STUDY PROTOCOL, ICF
- Time Frame
- They will be available by the end of 2026.
- Access Criteria
- DOI: 10.17632/jy54dx33pz.1