The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate whether use of a guidewire improves successful placement of ultrasound-guided peripheral IVs (PIV) in difficult intravenous access patients in the emergency department (ED)” Cochrane et al (2019).
Abstract:
Objective: The purpose of this pilot study was to investigate whether use of a guidewire improves successful placement of ultrasound-guided peripheral IVs (PIV) in difficult intravenous access patients in the emergency department (ED).
Methods: This was an unblinded, prospective, randomized trial performed by emergency medicine (EM) clinicians at a single academic ED. Eligible participants were randomized to ultrasound-guided PIV placement with or without the use of a guidewire. PIV access was obtained using the Accucath™ 20 gauge × 5.7 cm catheters by way of deployment or non-deployment of the guidewire. Primary outcome measure was first-pass success rate and secondary outcomes included number of attempts, complication rates, and clinician reported ease of insertion.
Results: Seventy patients were enrolled and 69 were included in the final analysis. Thirty-four participants were randomized to use of guidewire and 35 to no guidewire. First-pass success rates were similar with and without guidewire use, 47.1% vs. 45.7%, (p = 0.9). There were no differences found in median number of attempts between the two techniques, 2 (IQR 1–2) vs 2 (IQR 1–2), (p = 0.60). The complication rates were similar, 15% vs. 29% (p = 0.25). Clinicians reported no difference in ease of insertion between methods on a 5-point Likert Scale, mean 2.6 vs 2.7 (p = 0.76).
Discussion: In this pilot study comparing ultrasound-guided PIV placement in ED patients using an integrated guidewire versus no guidewire, there was no significant difference in first-pass success, number of attempts, or complication rates. This study provides preliminary data for further investigations.
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Reference:
Cochrane, H.K., Henwood, P.C., Platz, E., Koskenoja, V., Landry, A., Frasure, S.E., Rempell, J.S., Hoyler, J., Baker, O. and Kimberly, H.H. (2019) A randomized trial of ultrasound-guided peripheral IV catheter placement in difficult access patients using a guidewire approach. July 17th. The American Journal of Emergency Medicine. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ajem.2019.07.022.