Pediatric PICC catheter complications reviewed in this article

To analyze the complications and nursing countermeasures of PICC (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter) catheters using children PICC catheter technique 40 cases, complications were observed, and analyze the original causes, in order to propose a solution” Xiang et al (2016). Abstract: To analyze the complications and nursing countermeasures of PICC (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter) catheters using […]
How effective are double lumen PICC in neonatal care

In order to evaluate safety and usefulness of peripherally inserted double lumen central catheter (PIDLCC) in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants, outcomes of VLBW infants who had PIDLCC was studied” Cheong et al (2016). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: In order to evaluate safety and usefulness of peripherally inserted double lumen central catheter (PIDLCC) in very low […]
Antimicrobial central venous catheter dressings for neonates

We assessed the effectiveness and safety of antimicrobial (antiseptic or antibiotic) dressings in reducing CVC-related infections in newborn infants” Lai et al (2016). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Central venous catheters (CVCs) provide secured venous access in neonates. Antimicrobial dressings applied over the CVC sites have been proposed to reduce catheter-related blood stream infection (CRBSI) by decreasing colonisation. […]
Central venous catheter lock solution consisting of Minocycline, EDTA and 25% Ethanol

M-EDTA/ETOH lock was associated with a significantly decreased rate of mechanical and infectious complications compared to CVC removal/reinsertion group who received longer duration of systemic antimicrobial therapy” Raad et al (2016). Abstract: In cancer patients with long-term central venous catheters (CVC), removal and reinsertion of a new CVC at a different site might be difficult […]
What is the future of smart infusion pumps
We provide an overview of the major I.V. smart pump user issues so that you can be better prepared to facilitate technology innovation in this important area of patient safety” Giuliano and Niemi (2015). Extract: More than a decade ago, the introduction of smart I.V. pumps with drug libraries and dose error reduction systems (DERS) provided […]
Learning together with interdisciplinary education

We need to promote a new expectation for education in healthcare…one that routinely brings different disciplines into the same environment to learn together” Laskowski-Jones et al (2016). Extract: We need to promote a new expectation for education in healthcare…one that routinely brings different disciplines into the same environment to learn together. Organizations like the American Heart […]
Effect of early parenteral nutrition on clinical outcomes in critically ill children

The effect of early parenteral nutrition on clinical outcomes in critically ill children is unclear” Fivez et al (2016). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Recent trials have questioned the benefit of early parenteral nutrition in adults. The effect of early parenteral nutrition on clinical outcomes in critically ill children is unclear. [ctt tweet=”ReTweet if useful… Effect of early […]
Cost-impact of adopting antibiotic-impregnated central venous catheters

We determined the generalisability and cost-impact of adopting antibiotic-impregnated CVCs in all paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) in England, based on results from a large randomised controlled trial (the CATCH trial; ISRCTN34884569)” Harron et al (2016). Abstract: BACKGROUND: We determined the generalisability and cost-impact of adopting antibiotic-impregnated CVCs in all paediatric intensive care units (PICUs) […]
Fractured central venous catheter retrieval described in this case study
Haemodialysis catheter fracture with distal embolization is a rare complication in both adults and children and is usually associated with prolonged use and catheter fatigue” Teoh et al (2016). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Cuffed, double-lumen, tunneled haemodialysis catheters are a common means of vascular access in paediatric haemodialysis, particularly in infants. Haemodialysis catheter fracture with distal embolization […]
Haematoma due to venipuncture in the elbow of a patient with hemophilia

To the best of our knowledge, the present case is the first report regarding the occurrence of a large hemorrhage due to venipuncture in the elbow of a patient with hemophilia A, and discusses the pathogenesis, clinical manifestation, and the medico-chirurgical treatment of this patient” Lyu et al (2016). Abstract: Hemophilia A, which is the […]
How to design a central line care maintenance bundle
A multifaceted catheter care maintenance bundle consisting of educational programs for nurses, update of hospital policies, visual aids, a competency assessment, process monitoring, regular progress reports, and consolidation of supplies necessary for catheter maintenance” O’Neil et al (2016). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To evaluate a central line care maintenance bundle to reduce central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) in […]
Peripheral venous access sites for patients with a history of intravenous drug use

Practitioners may gain more information about potential peripheral venous access sites by asking patients their previous injection practice patterns” Kaban et al (2016). Abstract: BACKGROUND: The peripheral veins in the arms and forearms of patients with a history of intravenous (IV) drug use may be sclerosed, calcified, or collapsed due to damage from previous injections. […]
Impact of a Pay-for-Performance program on CLABSI rates

We quantify the impact of Highmark’s Quality Blue (QB) hospital P4P program on central line-associated blood stream infections (CLABSI) in Pennsylvania” Bastian et al (2016). Abstract: Healthcare associated infections have significantly contributed to the rising cost of hospital care in the United States. The implementation of pay-for-performance (P4P) programs has been one approach to improve […]
Catheter-related subclavian pseudo aneurysm case report
Here, we report a case of a 71-year-old woman with delayed presentation of catheter-related subclavian pseudoaneurysm” M et al (2015). Abstract: Central venous catheterization is a common diagnostic and therapeutic procedure in modern clinical practice. Pseudoaneurysms of the subclavian artery are rare and usually occur immediately after the causative event, whether the cause was trauma […]
Ultrasound-guided infraclavicular axillary vein cannulation
The main purpose of this study was to define the venipuncture and catheterization success rates and early mechanical complication rates of ultrasound-guided infraclavicular axillary vein cannulation” Czarnik et al (2016). Abstract: PURPOSE: The main purpose of this study was to define the venipuncture and catheterization success rates and early mechanical complication rates of ultrasound-guided infraclavicular […]
How to improve placement of peripheral IV catheters for chemotherapy administration

The success rate for first-attempt placement of a peripheral IV catheter was the same for the intervention and control groups” Ozkaraman and Yesilbalkan (2016). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Complications may occur in the subcutaneous or subdermal tissues during IV administration of chemotherapy related to blood flow and catheter placement. [ctt tweet=”ReTweet if useful… How to improve placement […]
Patient experience of totally implanted vascular access ports

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the satisfaction and impairments of activities of daily living of ambulatory patients with PAC systems receiving chemotherapy” Minichsdorfer et al (2016). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Totally implanted access ports (PACs) are valuable tools for the treatment of patients with cancer because they ease the administration of chemotherapy, stem cells, […]
What is the effectiveness of antimicrobial central venous catheters in reducing CRBSI

This review confirms the effectiveness of antimicrobial CVCs in reducing rates of CRBSI and catheter colonization. However, the magnitude of benefits regarding catheter colonization varied according to setting, with significant benefits only in studies conducted in ICUs” Lai et al (2016). Abstract: BACKGROUND: The central venous catheter (CVC) is essential in managing acutely ill patients […]
Where to site a peripheral intravenous catheter in obstetric patients

A peripheral intravenous catheter is often inserted as part of care during labour. The catheter is inserted into the back of the hand or lower forearm vein in usual practice. There is no trial data to guide the care provider on which is the better insertion site in any clinical setting” Tan et al (2016). […]
Comprehensive phlebotomy practice review provided in this article

However, more often there is a gap between laboratory and phlebotomist that causes misunderstandings and burdens on patient safety” Ialongo and Bernardini (2016). Abstract: The evidence-based paradigm has changed and evolved medical practice. Phlebotomy, which dates back to the age of ancient Greece, has gained experience through the evolution of medicine becoming a fundamental diagnostic […]
Will a vapocoolant decrease venipuncture pain in adults

The vapocoolant significantly decreased venipuncture pain in adults compared with placebo and was well tolerated with minor adverse effects that resolved quickly” Mace (2016). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Topical anesthetics are used to decrease procedural pain such as venipuncture. Advantages of vapocoolants include rapid onset, ease of application, low cost, and lack of associated pain of injection […]
IO compared with IV vasopressin administration
This study compared the effects of vasopressin via tibial intraosseous (IO) and intravenous (IV) routes on maximum plasma concentration (Cmax), the time to maximum concentration (Tmax), return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC), and time to ROSC in a hypovolemic cardiac arrest model” Fulkerson et al (2016). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: This study compared the effects of vasopressin via […]
How to administer the full dose of intravenous antibiotic infusions
This project demonstrates that our educational intervention improved awareness of the need to administer the entire antibiotic dose and adherence to the use of secondary tubing along with smart pump technology to administer antibiotics” McLaughlin et al (2016). Abstract: PROBLEM: Although consensus exists among experts that early intravenous antibiotic therapy has an impact on patient […]
Spanish OPAT services reviewed in this study
To evaluate outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) in the hospital-at-home (HaH) model, using data from a Spanish registry” Mirón-Rubio et al (2016). Abstract: AIM: To evaluate outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) in the hospital-at-home (HaH) model, using data from a Spanish registry. [ctt tweet=”ReTweet if useful… Spanish OPAT services reviewed in this study http://ctt.ec/7sG23+ @ivteam […]
Case study presents central venous catheter tip malposition
We report a case of a patient presenting for carotid body tumor excision in whom the central venous catheter was malpositioned who was found to have a partial anomalous pulmonary venous drainage of the left lung” Dinesh Kumar et al (2016). Abstract: Central venous cannulation is routinely done to infuse inotropes, for measuring central venous pressure, […]
The role of vein preservation in the specialism of vascular access

We have come a long way in improving patient outcomes in the areas of catheter-related bloodstream infections and deep vein thrombosis prevention” Brazens (2016). Abstract: The Association for Vascular Access (AVA) is entering its 30th year. AVA has worked diligently to improve the specialty of vascular access and has seen vast improvements over the years. […]
The role of PICC lines in the treatment of Lyme disease

Seven years later, I was diagnosed with chronic neurologic Lyme disease and coinfections of Babesia and Bartonella” Levy (2016). Abstract: I was told that I was a moody teenage girl in need of antidepressants and psychotherapy, that I didn’t stretch enough before and after sports so I should see a physical therapist, that I was […]
Novel PICC catheter material proposed to lower platelet adherence
One of the most common complications of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is loss of line patency due to platelet adhesion to the device” Musial et al (2016). Abstract: Background: One of the most common complications of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is loss of line patency due to platelet adhesion to the […]
Potential negative impact of predatory journals unmasked in this article

As a result of Beal’s efforts, researchers all over the world are taking action against predatory journals” Dadkhah (2016). Abstract: In recent years, the academic world has been faced with many challenges. Jeffrey Beall introduced the term “predatory journal.” These journals are based on a pay-and-publish model and have a poor review process. In other words, […]
EKG assisted bedside peripherally inserted central catheter tip placement

Based on these findings, the facility determined that EKG guidance is effective and its use was implemented for all bedside PICC placements in which a P wave was discernible” Cales and Rheingans (2016). Abstract: Objective: The purpose of this institutional review board-approved, single-blinded, randomized controlled trial was to evaluate the effectiveness of bedside peripherally inserted central […]