Novel flow-controlled syringe infusion pump for precise and continuous drug delivery
This study compares the performance of a prototype flow-controlled syringe pump both at start-up, and during vertical displacement manoeuvres, with that of a standard infusion syringe pump” Batliner et al (2019). Abstract: Syringe infusion pumps are used for the administration of short-acting drugs in anaesthesia and critical care medicine, but are prone to flow irregularities […]
Syringe infusion pump with absolute piston displacement control
A vast majority of syringe pumps operate on stepper motors, which limits their effectiveness for precision fluid delivery using estimation algorithms” Ong et al (2019). Abstract: A vast majority of syringe pumps operate on stepper motors, which limits their effectiveness for precision fluid delivery using estimation algorithms. Such a system also hampers the ability to […]
Flushing of an intravenous catheter and unreliable laboratory results
This case underlines the importance of caution in the interpretation of laboratory results obtained from specimens that are collected in the proximity of an intravenous catheter, even in the absence of continuous infusion” Hengeveld et al (2019). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Phlebotomy is an error-prone process in which mistakes are difficult to reveal. This case report describes […]
Ultrasound guidance for central venous access
Ultrasound-guided central line placement has been shown to decrease the number of needle puncture attempts, complication, and failure rates. In order to obtain successful central access, it is important to have adequate cognitive knowledge, workflow understanding, and manual dexterity to safely execute this invasive procedure” Leibowitz et al (2019). Abstract: Ultrasound-guided central line placement has […]
Systematic review of central-line-associated bloodstream infection
To establish the reliability of the application of National Health and Safety Network (NHSN) central-line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) criteria within established reporting systems internationally” Larsen et al (2019). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To establish the reliability of the application of National Health and Safety Network (NHSN) central-line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) criteria within established reporting systems internationally. DESIGN: […]
Quality improvement initiative to decrease CLABSI in the pediatric units
The specific aims of the study were to evaluate adherence to the intervention components and rates of Central Line Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSIs) over five years” Santos et al (2019). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Central Venous Catheters (CVCs) are placed in pediatric patients that require frequent and/or long-term access for intravenous treatments and increase the risk for […]
Suitability of PICC for cardiac output assessment?
We investigated the agreement between transpulmonary thermodilution measurements obtained with bolus injection through peripherally inserted central catheter and centrally inserted central catheter (reference standard) using a transpulmonary thermodilution-calibrated Pulse Contour hemodynamic monitoring system (VolumeView/EV1000)” D’Arrigo et al (2019). Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Peripherally inserted central catheters are increasingly used in ICU as an alternative to centrally inserted […]
Comparison of complication rates associated with different PICC types
This retrospective cohort study evaluates the influence of PICC type on the rates and incidences of complications” Scrivens et al (2019). Abstract: Patients with hematological malignancies (HM) or undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) require reliable vascular access. Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) meet this need, however, studies suggest these patients have higher rates of PICC-associated […]
Incidence of peripheral intravenous catheter failure among inpatients
We aimed to estimate the rate and incidence of PIVC failure at Manacor hospital (Spain) as baseline within a wider quality improvement initiative” Blanco-Mavillard et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) are the most widely used invasive devices among inpatients. Catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) are serious yet preventable events for patients. Although the […]
Vascular access strategies for early stage breast cancer patients
All vascular access strategies for administering chemotherapy in early stage breast cancer (EBC) are associated with risks and benefits. As the most effective type of access is unknown a feasibility trial, prior to conducting a large pragmatic trial, was undertaken” Robinson et al (2019). Abstract: PURPOSE: All vascular access strategies for administering chemotherapy in early […]
Cause of oxygenated blood from central venous catheter?
Here, we report a case of PAPVC which was missed initially in a follow-up case of atrial septal defect with mitral stenosis patient who was taken up for mitral valve replacement, and after insertion of central venous catheter, there was aspiration of oxygenated blood from the catheter tip causing confusion of arterial migration of central […]
Hand hygiene compliance surveillance with time series anomaly detection
The objective of this study was to use a novel time series anomaly detection algorithm to analyze routine hand hygiene compliance data” Wiemken et al (2019). Abstract: Background: Hand hygiene is the most important intervention to reduce the risk of transmission of pathogens in health care. Assurance of effective hand hygiene improvement campaigns includes adequate […]
Repositioning of malpositioned PICC with intracavitary electrocardiogram
We discuss a novel technique of utilizing intracavitary electrocardiogram to help confirm proper peripherally inserted central catheter tip repositioning, thereby reducing the need for serial radiographs” Weber et al (2019). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Peripherally inserted central catheter tip migration is an infrequent event that occurs in neonatal, pediatric, and adult patients. We discuss a novel technique […]
Safety of sodium citrate and sodium heparin catheter lock solutions
The effects of different concentrations of heparin and different types of catheter lock solutions are controversial. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the efficacy and safety of sodium citrate and sodium heparin catheter lock solutions” Huang et al (2019). Abstract: Objective: Use of a catheter lock solution plays a decisive role in vascular access. The […]
Protocol for needle-free connector with positive displacement
We have been using needle-free connectors for several years in our intensive care unit and here we present a protocol for installing these connectors on central venous catheters” Clavier et al (2019). Abstract: Needle-free connectors were initially designed and promoted to avoid blood exposure for healthcare workers. Some recent data suggest that the latest generation […]
Experience with OPAT and peripherally inserted central catheters
The implementation of an outpatient i. v. therapy using peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) allows for early discharge with continuation of adequate antimicrobial therapy” Baecker et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: A key factor in the successful treatment of periprosthetic joint infection is the consistent antimicrobial therapy. Depending on the pathogen antimicrobial susceptibility, intravenous (i. v.) antibiotics may […]
Initiation of maintenance hemodialysis through central venous catheters
Despite well-publicized suggestions to utilize arteriovenous fistulae and grafts to initiate hemodialysis, too many patients in the United States start dialysis via central venous catheters” Tang et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Despite well-publicized suggestions to utilize arteriovenous fistulae and grafts to initiate hemodialysis, too many patients in the United States start dialysis via central venous […]
Stakeholder perceptions of smart infusion pumps and drug library updates
Results of a questionnaire-based study to evaluate smart infusion pump end users’ perceptions and understanding of the drug library update process are reported” Delaurentis et al (2019). Abstract: PURPOSE: Results of a questionnaire-based study to evaluate smart infusion pump end users’ perceptions and understanding of the drug library update process are reported. METHODS: The Indianapolis […]
Antibiotic lock therapy for CLABSI in pediatric patients
The aim of this study was to evaluate the outcome of antibiotic lock therapy in bloodstream infections in pediatric hematology/oncology patients in a tertiary care hospital, Karachi” Qureshi et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Intravascular catheters are susceptible to infections, thus requiring catheter removal and leading to increased morbidity and costs. Antibiotic lock therapy (ALT) is […]
Bedside prediction of the central venous catheter insertion depth
We conclude that both landmark guidance and ECG guidance are comparable with regard to accurate central venous catheter tip positioning when CVCs are placed through right internal jugular vein whereas formula based technique is least accurate and results in over insertion of CVCs” Jayaraman et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Central venous catheterization is […]
Detection of micro-bubbles in the right atrium to confirm peripheral IV catheter position
The micro-bubble detection test is a useful technique for detecting extravasation and confirming proper positioning of peripheral IV catheters in pediatric patients” Takeshita et al (2019). Abstract: OBJECTIVES: In pediatric patients, indwelling peripheral venous catheters are sometimes displaced to extravascular positions, causing infiltration or extravasation. No reliable techniques are available to confirm accurate IV catheterization. […]
Impact of vascular access types on hemodialysis patient long-term survival
This study aimed to explore the impact of vascular access types, including arteriovenous shunts and central venous catheter on all-cause mortality after adjustment of other risk factors” Yeh et al (2019). Abstract: Vascular access (VA) is the cornerstone for carrying out hemodialysis, yet it may bring in complications and leads to hemodialysis quality decline. This […]
Arm port vs chest port systematic review and meta-analysis
Arm port is associated with higher procedure conversion rate, but lower incidence of intra-operative complications, and age may be a risk factor for intra-operative events” Li et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Two prevailing, totally implantable venous access ports are routinely utilized in oncology: chest port or arm port. This systematic review with meta-analysis was conducted […]
Report of surgical flap necrosis following PICC insertion
Pedicled latissimus dorsi musculocutaneous flaps are reliable options for reconstruction of torso and head and neck defects. After ensuring that no kink or external compression occurs on the pedicle, the survival rate exceeds 99%. However, we experienced a complete necrosis of the flap after insertion of a peripherally inserted central catheter line” Efanov et al […]
Review of dedicated central line procedure team and CLABSI rates
We compared hospital-wide CLABSI rate pre- and post-implementation of a dedicated procedure team as well as central line checklist completion and patient-specific variables between the procedure team and other providers” Styslinger et al (2019). Abstract: A primary strategy of central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) prevention is standardized, aseptic insertion of central lines. We compared hospital-wide […]
Comparison of intraosseous versus arterial and venous blood sampling
There is no consensus regarding whether and which laboratory analyses may be performed on IO aspirates, and research on hemodynamically unstable subjects is limited” Strandberg et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Intraosseous (IO) access is often indicated for administration of drugs and fluids in emergencies when venous access is challenging. There is no consensus regarding whether […]
Central venous line placement and ultrasound probe damage
The most damaged areas are located on the short side of the probe (arrows) and on the median point of the long sides” De Cassai and Tonetti (2019). Extract: “The image [Figure 1] shows a linear US probe used for CVC placement in at least three-thousand procedures, mostly by resident anesthesiologists. The most damaged areas […]
Patient experience with peripherally inserted central catheters
We sought to better understand patient perspectives on having a urinary catheter or a PICC by reviewing open-ended comments made by patients about having either of these 2 devices” Trautner et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Little is known about the patient experience with urinary catheters or peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs). We sought to better […]
Power contrast injections through a totally implantable venous power port
To evaluate the feasibility and safety of power injection of contrast media through totally implantable venous power ports during computed tomography scans in oncologic patients” Son et al (2019). Abstract; Objectives; To evaluate the feasibility and safety of power injection of contrast media through totally implantable venous power ports during computed tomography scans in oncologic […]
Microbial colonization of intravascular catheter connectors
We assessed the colonization of the split septum catheter connector system, and subsequently the luer lock catheter connector system” Hankins et al (2019). Abstract: Background: Central line–associated bloodstream infections may be due to catheter connector colonization and intraluminal migration of pathogens. We assessed the colonization of the split septum catheter connector system, and subsequently the […]