Difficult jugular central venous cannulation due to indwelling PICC

We present two cases where use of standard J-tip guidewire may have exacerbated the difficulty associated with internal jugular cannulation in presence of peripherally inserted central venous catheters” Anand et al (2019). Abstract: Central venous cannulation is a commonly performed procedure while managing critically ill patients; increasingly we encounter patients with indwelling wires or devices, […]
Point-of-care ultrasound-guided correction of PICC line placement

A 2.0 kg early-term infant with congenital heart disease required central venous catheter placement for persistent hypoglycaemia” Suell et al (2019).
Critically important haemodialysis vascular access outcomes

Vascular access outcomes reported across haemodialysis (HD) trials are numerous, heterogeneous and not always relevant to patients and clinicians. This study aimed to identify critically important vascular access outcomes” Viecelli et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Vascular access outcomes reported across haemodialysis (HD) trials are numerous, heterogeneous and not always relevant to patients and clinicians. This […]
Human factors approaches to evaluating OPAT

A systematic review was undertaken to explore Human Factors aspects relating to OPAT service delivery and to evaluate whether OPAT is amenable to description using the Systems Engineering Initiative for Patient Safety (SEIPS 2.0) model” Bugeja et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: The expansion in terms of available treatment options and models of care has led […]
Stability challenges during continuous IV administration of high-dose amoxicillin

Therefore, we have performed a comprehensive study so as to determine the chemical stability of high-dose amoxicillin solutions conducive to safe and effective continuous intravenous administration using portable elastomeric pumps” Binson et al (2019). Abstract: While treatment of serious infectious diseases may require high-dose amoxicillin, continuous infusion may be limited by lack of knowledge regarding […]
Performance characteristics of the PowerFlow apheresis port

We prospectively evaluated the Bard PowerFlow Implantable Apheresis IV Port in four patients undergoing outpatient therapeutic plasma exchange over 18 to 97 days” Garrity et al (2019). Abstract: We prospectively evaluated the Bard PowerFlow Implantable Apheresis IV Port in four patients undergoing outpatient therapeutic plasma exchange over 18 to 97 days. Three had bilateral internal jugular access […]
Anatomical review of the Superior Vena Cava

The superior vena cava is a large, significant vein responsible for returning deoxygenated blood collected from the body back into the heart” White and Soos (2019). Excerpt: The superior vena cava is a large, significant vein responsible for returning deoxygenated blood collected from the body back into the heart. It is present within the superior […]
Extravasation from a misplaced intraosseous catheter

Due to extravasation of the medications, the patient suffered localized tissue necrosis and eventually required skin grafting. This case illustrates the importance of confirming appropriate IO placement” Sampson (2019). Abstract: A 75-year old female presented in cardiac arrest with a right tibial intraosseous (IO) catheter through which prehospital medications were administered. The catheter, which had […]
Central venous catheter associated blood stream infections in non-ICU settings

This study aimed to determine the burden, microbiologic patterns, and associations of CVC-BSIs in non-ICU settings in a tertiary regional centre, University Hospital Geelong (UHG), Victoria, Australia” Aminzadeh et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Most studies have examined central venous catheter associated blood stream infections (CVC-BSIs) in Intensive Care Units (ICUs) but information on CVC-BSIs in […]
Vascular access for renal replacement therapy in acute kidney injury

Renal replacement therapy (RRT) in the setting of acute kidney injury (AKI) is generally provided by either tunneled or nontunneled dialysis catheters (TDCs or NTDCs), used immediately after insertion” Kelly and Mendu (2019). Abstract: Renal replacement therapy (RRT) in the setting of acute kidney injury (AKI) is generally provided by either tunneled or nontunneled dialysis […]
Identification and management of children with difficult intravenous access

Identification of children with difficult intravenous access (DIVA) can help promote prompt escalation to an appropriately skilled clinician” Schults et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Peripheral venous cannulation is considered a routine procedure, yet 50% of first attempt insertions fail, necessitating repeat insertion attempts. Identification of children with difficult intravenous access (DIVA) can help promote prompt […]
Air embolism following peripheral intravenous access

We present a case of symptomatic venous air embolism likely arising from peripheral intravenous access gained during an interventional pain procedure” Vinan-Vega et al 92019). Abstract: Air embolism is a rare, often misdiagnosed, potentially fatal condition. It is most frequently associated with invasive vascular procedures and mechanical ventilation. Air emboli developing from peripheral intravenous lines […]
ED visits and hospitalizations among hemodialysis patients
Previous reports indicated that patients on thrice-weekly hemodialysis (HD) had higher mortality rates after the 3-day interdialytic interval. However, day-of-the-week patterns of emergency department (ED) visits and hospitalizations remain under-investigated” Zhang et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Previous reports indicated that patients on thrice-weekly hemodialysis (HD) had higher mortality rates after the 3-day interdialytic […]
Clinical features of BSI with peripheral versus central venous catheters

This study aimed to compare the clinical characteristics and prognoses of central venous catheter-associated bloodstream infections (CVC-BSIs) with peripheral venous catheter-associated BSIs (PVC-BSIs)” Tatsuno et al (2019). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: This study aimed to compare the clinical characteristics and prognoses of central venous catheter-associated bloodstream infections (CVC-BSIs) with peripheral venous catheter-associated BSIs (PVC-BSIs). METHODS: This retrospective […]
Peripherally inserted central catheters in critically ill patients

Implementation of education, training, and appropriate multidisciplinary approaches on PICC care among nurses and caregivers is the key to preventing complications” Duwadi et al (2018). Abstract: Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is extensively used in critical care settings, because it plays a vital role in providing safe central venous entry. However, PICC is associated with […]
Authors review results of needleless connector decontamination research

We recently read with interest the systematic review and meta-analysis by Flynn et al,1 which aimed to “compare the effectiveness of connector decontamination with 70% alcohol wipes, alcoholic chlorhexidine gluconate wipes, or alcohol impregnated caps to prevent catheter-associated bloodstream infection (CABSI)” Aho Glélé et al (2019). Abstract: We recently read with interest the systematic review […]
Chylothorax and chylopericardium a complication of CVC use

The development of chylothorax and chylopericardium is an uncommon complication of the long-term use of central venous catheters” Livesay et al (2019). Abstract: The development of chylothorax and chylopericardium is an uncommon complication of the long-term use of central venous catheters. We describe a unique case of an end stage renal disease patient on hemodialysis […]
Peripherally inserted central catheter tip position in newborn infants

To evaluate the application of ultrasound for the localization of the tip position of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in newborn infants” Ren et al (2019). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the application of ultrasound for the localization of the tip position of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in newborn infants. STUDY DESIGN: This study was […]
Review of central venous catheter complications

The use of a central line or central venous catheterization was brought to attention in 1929 when Dr. Werner Forssmann self-inserted a ureteric catheter through his cubital vein and into the right side of his heart” Patel et al 92019). Abstract: The use of a central line or central venous catheterization was brought to attention […]
Peripheral IV catheter dwell time and risk of catheter failure

The risk of catheter failure may not remain constant throughout the dwell time. The results suggest that nurses should assess the insertion site frequently in the first 38 h” Wei et al (2019). Abstract: AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To explore whether the risk of peripheral venous catheters failure remained constant throughout catheter use in adult patients. […]
Decreased hospital infections with improvement in CHG bathing

We employed a mathematical model to assess the impact of CHG patient bathing on central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs), and hospital-onset Clostridium difficile (C diff) infections and the associated costs” Reagan et al 92019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Multiple studies have shown that bathing with chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG) wipes reduces hospital-acquired infections […]
Persistent left superior vena cava identified by transesophageal echocardiography

During central venous cannulation, the presence of venous anomalies increases procedural complication rates” Horvath et al (2019). Abstract: A 70-year-old female with severe aortic stenosis presented for aortic valve replacement and underwent routine preoperative Swan-Ganz catheter placement. Transesophageal echocardiography demonstrated a dilated coronary sinus with a catheter present. A high suspicion of venous anomaly prompted […]
Candida albicans biofilm formation in clinical lipid emulsions

Receipt of parenteral nutrition (PN) remains an independent risk factor for developing catheter-related blood stream infections (CR-BSI) caused by fungi, including the polymorphic fungus Candida albicans that is notoriously adept at forming drug-resistant biofilm structures” Willems et al 92019). Abstract: Receipt of parenteral nutrition (PN) remains an independent risk factor for developing catheter-related blood stream […]
Development of a pediatric vascular access team

The purpose of the study was to examine if a pediatric peripheral vascular access algorithm with a pediatric vascular access team (PPVAA-VAT) improved IV placement outcomes compared with Pediatric Peripheral Vascular Access Algorithm (PPVAA)-alone use” Hartman et al (2019). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Intravenous (IV) placement outcomes in pediatric patients need to be improved. The purpose of […]
Sonographic screening of internal jugular vein to detect catheter related thrombosis

Catheter-related IJV thrombosis is a frequent complication in ICU patients and is associated with the increased risk of CLABSI. Ultrasound screening is simple, feasible and accurate in diagnosing IJV thrombosis” Nm Bhat et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Internal jugular vein (IJV) cannulation is a common procedure in the ICU with thrombosis being an […]
Impact of nursing education on CLABSI rates

The effectiveness of educational program on hand hygiene compliance was reflected in the improvement of posttest score, reduced number of missed opportunities and reduction of CLABSI rates in ICU” Acharya et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Central line associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) have a higher incidence in the intensive care units of developing countries. […]
Sustainability of a standardised assessment for preventing ICU complications

This paper describes nurses’ perceptions of implementation strategies and the potential sustainability of a practice change intervention to prevent complications in a Malaysian ICU” Soh et al (2019). Abstract: Background: Quality improvement projects have been widely adopted to prevent complications in the ICU. Objective: This paper describes nurses’ perceptions of implementation strategies and the potential […]
Clinical use of Colistin in biofilm-associated infections

Biofilm is an adaptive bacterial strategy whereby microorganisms become encased in a complex glycoproteic matrix. The low concentration of oxygen and nutrients in this environment leads to heterogeneous phenotypic changes in the bacteria, with antimicrobial tolerance being of paramount importance” Lora-Tamayo et al (2019). Abstract: Biofilm is an adaptive bacterial strategy whereby microorganisms become encased […]
Care and maintenance of peripheral intravenous cannula

The study is mainly concerned about the care and maintenance of peripheral intravenous cannulation: to determine the knowledge and practice of nurses towards care and maintenance of IV cannula and to find out the obstacles encountered in caring and maintaining IV cannula” Osti et al (2019). Abstract: AIM: The study is mainly concerned about the […]
Literature review relating to medical adhesive related skin injuries

This article reviews the literature related to the causes of medical-adhesive-related skin injuries (MARSIs) and the reported patient effects, in particular pain and skin trauma and highlight some ‘at-risk’ patient groups and potential actions to minimise risk” Collier (2019). Abstract: The skin is the largest and one of the most important organs of the body […]