RESULTS: Two meta-analysis and six RCTs were identified and analysed. Results from one of the meta-analysis and two RCTs supported the use of heparin for maintaining peripheral arterial catheter patency. In the rest, however, no significant differences were found regarding the arterial catheter patency between the control (saline) and intervention (heparin).
CONCLUSIONS: Recent studies suggest that it is not necessary to use heparin to maintain a patent arterial catheter. From this review the performing of a nationwide multicentre study is proposed to implement the use of saline in Spain.