Closure of common carotid artery perforation caused by misplaced central venous catheter

A 7-year-old boy with medulloblastoma, after neurosurgical resection of an intracranial tumor, was sent for echo-cardiography examination, because of unsuccessful administration of the second course of chemotherapy via the central venous catheter (VascuPort), which was implanted 4 weeks earlier” Paczkowski et al (2018). Extract: A 7-year-old boy with medulloblastoma, after neurosurgical resection of an intracranial […]
Risk factors associated with PICC-related venous thrombosis in patients of advanced age

This study was performed to determine the risk factors associated with peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC)-related venous thrombosis in patients of advanced age (>65 years)” Song et al (2019). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: This study was performed to determine the risk factors associated with peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC)-related venous thrombosis in patients of advanced age (>65 […]
Cost of pediatric and neonatal central line-associated bloodstream infections in Greece

CLABSIs were found to impose a significant economic burden in Greece, a finding that highlights the importance of implementing CLABSI prevention strategies” Karagiannidou et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) are the most frequent pediatric hospital-acquired infections and are associated with significant morbidity and healthcare costs. The aim of our […]
Effect of early parenteral nutrition discontinuation in neonates

In VLBW infants, early PICC removal at an enteral feed volume of 100 mL/kg/day compared with later removal at 140 mL/kg/day resulted in a significant delay in time to regain birth weight” Perrem et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are used to administer parenteral nutrition (PN) in very low birth weight […]
Life-saving vascular access after combined liver and kidney transplantation

We report the case of a boy treated for loss of hemodialysis access after a combined liver-kidney transplantation and transient renal dysfunction” Grimaldi et al (2019). Abstract: Exhaustion of vascular accesses is a major complication in patients undergoing hemodialysis, especially in pediatric setting. We report the case of a boy treated for loss of hemodialysis […]
Clinical outcomes of transfemoral venous access for upper extremity dialysis

A transfemoral venous approach for intervention of upper extremity dialysis accesses may be a valuable adjunct to traditional approaches” Wang et al (2019). Abstract: PURPOSE: To report technical success and clinical outcomes of transfemoral venous access for upper extremity dialysis interventions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 15 patients underwent a transfemoral venous approach for […]
Skin metastasis on the puncture site of peripherally inserted central catheter

To report a case of lung cancer metastasizing to skin from peripherally inserted central catheter puncture and to analyze the causes and treatment of this event” Xie et al (2019). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To report a case of lung cancer metastasizing to skin from peripherally inserted central catheter puncture and to analyze the causes and treatment […]
Ultrasound assisted subclavian central venous catheter insertion

The use of ultrasound for procedural guidance has been demonstrated to further increase the rate of success and reduce the risk of specific mechanical complications, especially in patients with difficult surface anatomy” Millington et al (2019). Abstract: The insertion of a subclavian central venous catheter is generally associated with a high rate of success and […]
Effectiveness of Virtual Reality (VR) as a distraction technique

To evaluate the effectiveness of Virtual Reality (VR) as a distraction technique to help control pain in children and adolescents undergoing venipuncture” Atzori et al (2018). Abstract: Background: Venipuncture is described by children as one of the most painful and frightening medical procedures. Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of Virtual Reality (VR) as a distraction […]
Outpatient waiting time for phlebotomy departments

When a stand-alone QTS was used in the outpatient phlebotomy clinic, data from the QTS and the LIS were integrated using a novel algorithm we developed” Song et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: A queue ticket system (QTS) used in an outpatient phlebotomy clinic was unable to be directly integrated with the laboratory information system (LIS). […]
Mobilized peripheral blood stem cell apheresis via Hickman catheter

These data indicate the reliable feasibility and efficacy of mobilized apheresis via an indwelling Hickman catheter” Doberschuetz et al (2-19). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Autologous stem cell transplantation remains an integral treatment tool for certain childhood malignancies. In children, a central venous catheter is typically necessary to provide adequate flow rates for preparative apheresis. In this study, […]
Impact of a dedicated nursing team on central line-related complications

To evaluate the impact of a dedicated nursing team on central line insertion success and catheter-related complications” Levit et al (2019). Abstract: Aim: To evaluate the impact of a dedicated nursing team on central line insertion success and catheter-related complications. Methods: Five nurses were trained in central line insertion and maintenance practices and replaced a […]
Efficacy and safety of EMLA in infants <3 months of age

To determine the efficacy and safety of EMLA in infants
Elimination of lancet-related needlestick injuries using a safety-engineered lancet

The lancet-related NSIs may be eliminated to zero incidence using a SED lancet with effective sharp injury protection and reuse prevention features” An et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Lancet-related needlestick injuries (NSIs) occur steadily in clinical practices. Safety-engineered devices (SEDs) can systematically reduce NSIs. However, the use of SEDs is not active and no study […]
Veinplicity versus heat treatment for vein dilation

Veinplicity applies mild electrical stimulation to forearm veins to aid vessel dilation. To assess this new technique, we compared its effect on the veins to that of standard heat treatment” Barton (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Peripheral intravenous cannulation is one of the most common invasive procedures for hospitalised patients. Patients with difficult venous access require special […]
Distraction using buzzy or handheld computers during venipuncture

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of 2 analgesic strategies for venipuncture in children in a specific setting like a blood-drawing center” Cozzi et al (2018). Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Venipuncture is one of the most frequently performed painful procedures in children. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of […]
Improved visualization of PICC on chest radiographs of neonates

The aim of this study is to evaluate the ability of Fractional Multiscale image Processing (FMP) to detect PICC tips on the digital chest radiographs of neonates” Hammon et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) provide secure intravenous access for the delivery of life-sustaining medications and nutrition. They are commonly used in […]
PICC insertion with intracavitary ECG

Ultrasound-guided venipuncture and tip location by intracavitary electrocardiogram have many advantages during the insertion of peripherally inserted central catheters, both in terms of safety and cost-effectiveness” Yin et al (2018). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Ultrasound-guided venipuncture and tip location by intracavitary electrocardiogram have many advantages during the insertion of peripherally inserted central catheters, both in terms of […]
Bundles to reduce catheter-associated bloodstream infections in neonates

This systematic survey includes a total of 27 studies published between 2002 and 2016 on the benefit of preventive bundles for the prevention of central-line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) in neonatal intensive care” Schmid et al (2018). Abstract: This systematic survey includes a total of 27 studies published between 2002 and 2016 on the benefit […]
Risk factors and microbial profile of CLABSI

The aim of the study is to improve the safety of patients with central venous catheter in National Heart Institute (NHI) medical cardiac care units” Khalil and Azqul (2018). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Catheter related blood stream infection (CRBSI) is the main complication of central venous catheter (CVC) use. The aim of the study is to improve […]
Examples of complex CLABSI patient scenarios

This case study is part of a series centered on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) health care-associated infection surveillance definitions” Puckett et al (2018). Abstract: This case study is part of a series centered on the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention/National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) health care-associated infection […]
Risk factors of peripheral intravenous cannula-induced complications

To determine the incidence, severity and risk factors of peripheral intravenous cannula-induced complications” Simin et al (2018). Abstract: AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To determine the incidence, severity and risk factors of peripheral intravenous cannula-induced complications. BACKGROUND: Peripheral venous cannulation in hospitalized patients may cause complications such as phlebitis, infiltration, occlusion and dislodgement. A review of the […]
Symptomatic venous thromboembolism associated with peripherally inserted central catheters

PICC-VTE was associated with a worse survival outcome in nonmetastatic NPC patients. A prospective randomized clinical trial is required to verify the results” Liang et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Despite increasing use, symptomatic venous thromboembolism (VTE) associated with peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is a common complication in nonmetastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients. METHODS: A […]
Predicting catheter-related bloodstream infection in severe burn injury patients

To investigate the characteristics of early catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) in severe burn injury patients induced by a massive aluminum dust explosion” Zhou et al (2018). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To investigate the characteristics of early catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) in severe burn injury patients induced by a massive aluminum dust explosion. METHODS: Sixty-eight severe burn injury […]
Inhibition of biofilm formation by a novel intravenous catheter material

Using a novel in vitro percutaneous catheter insertion model, ChronoFlex C with BioGUARD is proven to significantly inhibit bacterial attachment and biofilm formation as compared with a commonly used polyurethane catheter material” Pathak et al (2018). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Despite sterile barrier precautions and vigorous skin antisepsis, percutaneous insertion of intravenous catheters has been shown to […]
Review of vascular access for hemodialysis

A well-functioning vascular access is a mainstay to perform an efficient hemodialysis procedure, which directly affects the quality of life in hemodialysis patients” Dinh and Nguyen (2018). Abstract: A well-functioning vascular access is a mainstay to perform an efficient hemodialysis procedure, which directly affects the quality of life in hemodialysis patients. We use three main […]
Modified intracavitary ECG method for detecting central venous catheter tip in atrial fibrillation patients

A modified intracavitary electrocardiographic technique can be safely used for detecting the location of the tip of central venous catheters in atrial fibrillation patients: the highest activity of the f waves is an accurate indicator of the location of the tip at the cavo-atrial junction” Calabrese et al (2018). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: The intracavitary electrocardiographic method […]
Dynamic Haptic Robotic Training system for central venous catheterization training

The Dynamic Haptic Robotic Training (DHRT) system was developed to simulate these diverse patient anatomies during Central Venous Catheterization (CVC) training” Chen et al (2018). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: High-tech simulators are gaining popularity in surgical training programs because of their potential for improving clinical outcomes. However, most simulators are static in nature and only represent a […]
Successful treatment of catheter related blood stream infection by Millerozyma farinosa

We report a case of catheter related blood stream infection caused by M. farinosa in a 71-year-old patient who recovered successfully after removal of the central venous catheter and treatment with micafungin” Hong et al (2018). Abstract: Millerozyma farinosa (formerly Pichia farinosa) is halotolerant yeast mainly found in food and ubiquitous in the environment. It […]
Accuracy of duplex ultrasound vein mapping for dialysis access

Duplex ultrasound vein mapping (DUVM) may increase autogenous dialysis access procedures but has not been universally adopted by surgeons” Sharma et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Duplex ultrasound vein mapping (DUVM) may increase autogenous dialysis access procedures but has not been universally adopted by surgeons. METHODS: We determined reliability and accuracy of arm vein measurements on […]