 Studies have shown that catheter-related infection may be due to fibrin deposition associated with catheters. Interventions designed to decrease fibrin deposition and thrombus formation have the potential to reduce catheter-related infections. Seven randomised studies have been performed to assess the safety and efficacy of heparin either as an infusion or bonded to central venous catheter on central venous catheter-related bloodstream infections. Although a meta-analysis of 4 studies looking at heparin either as an infusion or bonded to central venous catheter showed a strong trend for a reduction in catheter-related bloodstream infection with the use of heparin, these studies used variable definitions of catheter-related infections. 