Abstract:
Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effectiveness of replacing the connector assembly in resolving occlusion of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) during parenteral nutrition (PN) administration.
Methods: This retrospective study reviewed data from 24 patients who received PN via 4Fr single-lumen silicone PICCs at a 2000-bed tertiary general hospital between 2018 and 2023. All patients experienced either partial or complete catheter occlusion following PN infusion. A novel procedure was adopted to replace the connector assembly, and the subsequent outcomes were observed.
Results: The success rates of connector replacement were 87.5% and 50.0% on the first and second attempts, respectively, with restored catheter function. Repeated replacement, however, markedly reduced patency (from 87.5% to 0% after the third replacement) and progressively shortened the median functional indwelling time (from 44.5 to 36.5 days), indicating diminished overall durability and therapeutic efficacy.
Conclusion: Connector assembly replacement is an effective, immediate, and economical method to resolve PICC occlusions caused by PN. This approach may offer a practical alternative to chemical catheter clearance, particularly for 4Fr single-lumen silicone catheters.
Reference:Li H, Li J, Zhang J, Zha J, Tang Y, Chen X. A Novel Procedure for Treating Parenteral Nutrition-Induced Occlusion of a Single-Lumen Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter. J Infus Nurs. 2026 Mar-Apr 01;49(2):100-109. doi: 10.1097/NAN.0000000000000633. Epub 2026 Feb 24. PMID: 41759045.