Verification of point-of-care international normalized ratio
Comparing the capillary INR laboratory results to studies involving a venous specimen, the capillary specimen performed with equivalence. Thus, a capillary citrate specimen can be collected from the same finger-stick used to perform the POC INR for confirmation in the laboratory. This avoids the trauma of a venous collection in such a situation” Williams (2018). […]
Daily bathing with 4% chlorhexidine gluconate in intensive care settings
to investigate whether daily bathing with a soap-like solution of 4% chlorhexidine (CHG) followed by water rinsing (CHGwr) would decrease the incidence of hospital acquired infections (HAI) in intensive care settings” Pallotto et al (2018). Abstract: Objectives: to investigate whether daily bathing with a soap-like solution of 4% chlorhexidine (CHG) followed by water rinsing (CHGwr) […]
Simulation training ultrasound-guided central venous cannulation
This study compared medical residents’ preferences for and performance of ultrasound-guided central venous access using the transverse, longitudinal, and oblique approaches” Caffery et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Obtaining central venous cannulation of the internal jugular vein is an important skill for physicians to master. To our knowledge, no studies to date have examined residents’ preferences […]
Tunneled central venous catheters hemodialysis patient mortality and morbidity
We examined the association between catheter use for maintenance hemodialysis (HD) and mortality/hospitalization in a cohort of patients with prevalent HD” Chiu et al (2018). Abstract: PURPOSE: We examined the association between catheter use for maintenance hemodialysis (HD) and mortality/hospitalization in a cohort of patients with prevalent HD. METHODS: In this study, 70 HD patients […]
Iatrogenic pneumothorax secondary to central venous catheter insertion
This article focuses on a subset of traumatic pneumothoraces known as iatrogenic pneumothorax, which is when the condition occurs secondary to an invasive procedure such as pulmonary needle biopsy (transthoracic and transbronchial), placement of a central venous line, nasogastric tube placement, or positive pressure ventilation” Ojeda Rodriguez and Hipskind (2018). Excerpt: Pneumothorax is the presence […]
Ultrasound guided peripheral intravenous access reviewed
The success of ultrasound-guided peripheral intravenous catheters (USGIVs) has been associated with significant reductions in central venous catheter placement in the emergency department[3] as well as enhanced patient satisfaction” Presley and Isenberg (2018). Excerpt: At least 150 to 200 million peripheral intravenous (PIV) catheters are placed each year in the United States, while up to […]
Emergency department nurses role in establishing intraosseous access
This study aimed to evaluate ED nurses’ success rate in establishing pediatric IO access using semiautomatic devices” Feldman et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: No study has examined the performance of emergency department (ED) nurses in establishing intraosseous access (IO) access. This study aimed to evaluate ED nurses’ success rate in establishing pediatric IO access using […]
Intraosseous administration of Tissue Plasminogen Activator
We describe 3 cases in which tPA was administered via IO access on a mobile stroke unit as part of the Benefits of Stroke Treatment Delivered Using a Mobile Stroke Unit Compared to Standard Management by Emergency Medical Services (BEST-MSU) trial” Bowry et al (2018). Abstract: Mobile stroke units offer improved time to administration of […]
Scenario-based simulation health care education on hand hygiene
Our training course had a positive effect on hand hygiene. This study is the first effective scenario-based simulation health care education on hand hygiene and control of health care-associated infection” Nakamura et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Simulation health care education is widely used in medical education and has great potential. However, scenario-based simulation health care […]
Support program for outpatients living with PICCs
A multidisciplinary working group met and designed support program for outpatient living with PICC-line” Veyrier et al (2018). Abstract: The peripheral insertion central catheter (PICC-Line) is indicated for long term intravenous medication administration. Some adverse events (AE) might occur, especially for patients after hospital discharge. Therefore, patient empowerment about the side effects and precaution for […]
Difficult removal of a implantable central venous port catheter
During the operation, avulsion and then dislocation of the port catheter tube occurred—a very rare complication of this procedure” Christ et al (2018). Extract: “A 55-year-old woman presented to the surgery department for the removal of a port catheter system. During the operation, avulsion and then dislocation of the port catheter tube occurred—a very rare […]
Conflicts of interest in research includes developing “closed infusion systems”
We also present several selected case studies that involve (1) the chlorhexidine industry and how it has used marketing trials and key opinion leaders to promote off-label use of its products; (2) the copper industry and how reporting of its trials in IPC have furthered their agenda; (3) the influence of a company developing “closed […]
Peripherally inserted central catheter outcomes placed in the ICU
To quantify variation in use and complications from peripherally inserted central catheters placed in the ICU versus peripherally inserted central catheters placed on the general ward” Govindan et al (2018). Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To quantify variation in use and complications from peripherally inserted central catheters placed in the ICU versus peripherally inserted central catheters placed on […]
Article offers a short history of blood donation origin and purpose
This article will concisely discuss a short history of blood donation origin and purpose, blood testing, donor eligibility and selection, adverse effects of donation, blood donation as a primary medical intervention, and a brief discussion of pathogen reduction and inactivation for donated blood” Myers and Collins (2018). Excerpt: Blood donation is a vital part of […]
Complications associated with vascular access for hemodialysis in the United States
This study examines the utilization and outcomes of vascular access for long-term hemodialysis in the United States and describes the impact of temporizing catheter use on outcomes” Arhuidese et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: This study examines the utilization and outcomes of vascular access for long-term hemodialysis in the United States and describes the impact of […]
Safety of high-dose intravenous mistletoe therapy in pediatric cancer patients
Our study underpinned the safety and feasibility of high-dose mistletoe infusion in children with advanced stages of cancer and showed noteworthy antineoplastic effects, which should be verified in a prospective clinical phase II/III-study” Zuzak et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Long-term survival of children with cancer has reached rates of up to 80%. Nevertheless, continued research […]
JLB intravenous catheter designed for patients with difficult peripheral venous access
In patients with difficult peripheral venous access, alternative techniques require expertise and are invasive, expensive, and prone to serious adverse events. This brought us to designing a new venous catheter (JLB® Deltamed, Inc.)” Brugioni et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: In patients with difficult peripheral venous access, alternative techniques require expertise and are invasive, expensive, and […]
How to improve IV cannulation success in tortuous and valve-rich peripheral veins
Peripheral veins often contain tortuosities and valves that hinder the effective passage of intravenous catheters to the full extent of catheter length. This report describes a methodology termed flick-spin that has proven efficacious for venous catheter passage in tortuous and valve-rich peripheral veins” Lanier (2018). Abstract: Peripheral veins often contain tortuosities and valves that hinder […]
CLABSI rates following the introduction of a central line bundle
In this report, rates of CLABSI and central line utilisation were examined following the introduction of a central line bundle in our Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at the Canberra Hospital” Bannatyne et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Central Line Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI) constitute a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in neonatal populations. There […]
Hepatitis C virus infection among haemodialysis patients
These results highlight the potential risk of hepatitis C virus transmission from patients within haemodialysis units in Egypt” Ali et al (2018). Abstract: BACKGROUND AND STUDY AIMS: Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a severe problem among patients on maintenance haemodialysis who are at particular risk for blood-borne infections because of prolonged vascular access and […]
Patient empowerment in promoting hand hygiene compliance
Patient empowerment is a component of the World Health Organization’s multimodal strategy to improve hand hygiene (HH). Its successful implementation requires knowledge of the perceptions and attitudes of patients and health care workers (HCWs) toward patient empowerment in HH” Sande-Meijide et al (2018). Abstract: Background: Patient empowerment is a component of the World Health Organization’s […]
Building a team for difficult-vascular access in the emergency department
The implementation of a dedicated difficult venous access team can generate a significant decline in the time needed to obtain IV access for critical diagnostics and medical interventions” Whalen et al (2018). Abstract: Problem: Difficult venous access is a common problem in health care—especially in the emergency setting—that relies on quick diagnostics to differentiate patient […]
Ambulatory IV pump use continues to increase annually
Research suggests that the use of ambulatory pumps is becoming commonplace and with advancing technologies will continue to grow at an annual rate of approximately 9% over the next 5 years” Paparella (2018). Abstract: Before the 1980s, patients were often hospitalized to treat diseases unresponsive to oral medications. Since then, the increasing availability of ambulatory […]
Reducing needle-related pain and distress management in children
Children with intellectual disability despite receiving more relieving techniques during a needle-related procedure experienced more pain and anxiety when compared to healthy children” Pascolo et al (2018). Abstract: Children with intellectual disability frequently undergo needle-related procedures for diagnosis or treatment. Nevertheless, only a few studies deal with pain and distress management during the procedure in […]
Reducing phlebotomy orders with education and changes to IT requests
Recently, this practice has begun receiving attention as a potential target for efforts focused on eliminating overuse. Several organizations have published their efforts in this arena. Interventions have included education, feedback, and changes to computerized provider order entry (CPOE) but have yielded mixed results” Breen et al (2018). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Daily phlebotomy is often a […]
Fear of needles research in this systematic review and meta-analysis
The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of needle fear and summarize the characteristics of individuals who exhibit this fear” McLenon and Rogers (2018). Abstract: AIMS: The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence of needle fear and summarize the characteristics of individuals who exhibit this fear. BACKGROUND: Injections are […]
Review of intravascular catheter-related bloodstream infection
Despite recent gains, intravascular catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) remains an important clinical problem resulting in significant morbidity, mortality, and excess economic cost” Rupp and Karnatak (2018). Abstract: Despite recent gains, intravascular catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) remains an important clinical problem resulting in significant morbidity, mortality, and excess economic cost. Successful prevention of CRBSI requires careful […]
Effectiveness and safety of OPAT delivered ertapenem
Ertapenem OPAT was effective and safe. Caregivers in nursing homes should be better trained in OPAT-related procedures” Sanroma et al (2018). Abstract: AIM: To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of ertapenem in patients hospitalized at home. PATIENTS & METHODS: Retrospective analysis of data from Spanish Outpatient Parenteral Antimicrobial Therapy (OPAT) registry. RESULTS: Data from 1428 […]
Hemodialysis central venous catheter malposition into the chest
In this report, we describe the case of a 77-year-old patient on chronic hemodialysis via catheter due to arteriovenous fistula dysfunction. We placed a cuffed-tunneled hemodialysis catheter in the left internal jugular vein. Malpositioning of the catheter led to perforation of the great veins and migration of the catheter tip into the chest” Xie et […]
Review of key medical procedural skills during the early months of internship
The aim of this study was to evaluate the intern preparation package by exploring interns’ self-reported knowledge, confidence, and experience in key procedural skills during the early months of internship” McKenzie and Mellis (2018). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: On commencing internship, new medical graduates (new interns) are often required to perform core procedural skills under differing levels […]