Study of Arterial Catheter Biofilm Structure and Bacteria in ICU Patients Using Optical Coherence Tomography

What this Trial Is About

This research focuses on understanding the role of bacterial biofilm formation on arterial catheters in patients admitted to intensive care units ICU. Since about 29.3% of bloodstream infections in ICUs are linked to vascular devices, including 7.7% from arterial catheters, the study aims to better describe the structure and microbiological makeup of these biofilms. Investigators hope that this knowledge will help prevent infections or lead to more targeted treatments when bacteremias occur. The study observes critically ill patients aged 18 and older who have had an arterial catheter in place for more than two days while in the ICU. Researchers use dynamic full-field optical coherence tomography D-FF-OCT to analyze the arterial catheter sections before conducting microbiological tests on the biofilm. This observational study does not involve experimental treatments but focuses on detailed imaging and bacterial or fungal identification. Participants will have their arterial catheters removed according to usual ICU procedures, and the catheter sections will be analyzed to assess biofilm structure type, thickness, and dynamic signal distribution using D-FF-OCT. These measurements are taken two days after catheter removal. The study also includes microbiological identification of bacteria or fungi present in the biofilm. The involvement includes monitoring and sample analyses without altering patient care, with results intended to improve understanding of infection risks associated with arterial catheter biofilms.

Structural and Microbiological Characterization of Arterial Catheter Biofilm in ICU's Patients Using Optical Coherence Tomography