IVUPDATE from IVTEAM

IVTEAM is a global resource for vascular access and infusion therapy, dedicated to supporting clinical teams worldwide. Our daily updates help healthcare professionals stay current with the latest evidence in vascular access and infusion therapy.

Review of bedside ECG- and ultrasound-based PICC tip positioning

“Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) tip positioning is a technically mature field characterized by heterogeneous evidence. International consensus guidelines consistently recommend bedside intracavitary electrocardiography (IC-ECG) and ultrasound-based strategies as first-line methods, with fluoroscopy reserved for specific indications” Shu and Li (2026).

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Routine pediatric central venous catheter maintenance

“Dressing-change practices were consistent, with all centers reporting changes every 7 days or sooner when dressing integrity was compromised. Cap-change intervals varied from daily to every 7 days. Dressing changes required a mean of 16.5 min and cost $55.25 in labor and supplies. Cap changes cost $24.08, and daily flushing cost $13.70” Maier et al (2026).

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Central venous access devices for neonates – Full Text

“Optimal CVAD selection is not merely a technical decision but a strategic clinical process that integrates patient, therapy, device, and health-system factors. Existing frameworks provide valuable guidance and should be interpreted within the clinical context in which they are applied, acknowledging differences in expertise, available resources, and models of care” de Souza et al (2026).

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Neuromuscular blocking drug extravasation – Full Text

“This case highlights the unpredictable clinical course of NMBD extravasation and demonstrates that recurrent paralysis may occur despite initial successful reversal, requiring quantitative neuromuscular monitoring, extended postoperative observation, and administration of repeat doses of sugammadex as delayed systemic absorption occurs” Crafton et al (2026).

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Continuous intravenous acyclovir during OPAT – Full Text

“The acyclovir OPAT programme led to cost savings of 3486 EUR per patient. Despite this small case series, continuous intravenous acyclovir appears to be feasible for treating HSV and VZV neurological infections in an OPAT setting, with potential benefits in patient comfort, healthcare costs, and hospital resource utilization” Manders et al (2026).

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