Exploring central-line patency and saline practice

Mohamed Elsayed, Senior PICU Fellow in Southampton, discusses quality-improvement work exploring normal and heparinised saline for maintaining central-line patency. He describes the practical issues encountered during the work, including changes in infusion-pump pressures and the decision to stop a provisional trial. The interview highlights the importance of monitoring safety and recognising the limits of preliminary findings when considering changes to routine practice. Mohamed reflects on the questions raised by the project and the need for further investigation before drawing firm conclusions about the most appropriate approach.

This interview took place at the PCCS Annual Scientific Meeting 2026 in London.