Vascular access nursing experience of PICC placement
We conducted a Web-based survey to assess vascular access nursing experience, practice, knowledge, and beliefs related to PICC insertion and care in 47 Michigan hospitals” Chopra et al (2015). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are increasingly used in hospitalized patients. Yet, little is known about the vascular access nurses who often place them. […]
Simulation-based training for ultrasound assisted vascular access
Our objective was to assess the competency of physicians in a rarely performed procedure, US-guided CVC placement, before and after an educational intervention using simulation-based mastery learning” Werner et al (2016). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Ultrasound (US) guidance for central venous catheter (CVC) placement results in improved success and overall safety, but is a new skill for […]
Review of safety engineered injection devices
We identified moderate quality evidence that syringes with sharps injury prevention feature reduce the incidence of needlestick injuries per healthcare worker” Harb et al (2015). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Occupational sharps injuries are associated with transmission of bloodborne viruses to healthcare workers, including hepatitis B virus (HBV), hepatitis C virus (HCV), and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Similarly […]
Upper arm vein versus subclavian vein for totally implantable venous access ports
To compare two different routes of totally implantable venous access ports (TIVPs) from the upper arm vein and the subclavian vein in terms of complications for patients with gastrointestinal malignancy” Cai et al (2015). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To compare two different routes of totally implantable venous access ports (TIVPs) from the upper arm vein and the […]
Port type and implantable port-related bloodstream infections
Implantable venous access port (IVAP)-related blood stream infections (BSIs) are one of the most common complications of implantable venous ports” Hsu et al (2015). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Implantable venous access port (IVAP)-related blood stream infections (BSIs) are one of the most common complications of implantable venous ports. The risk factors and pathogens for IVAP-related BSIs are […]
Long-term outcome of totally implantable venous access ports
Totally implantable venous access ports (TIVAP) are eventually explanted for various reasons, related or unrelated to the implantation technique used. Having more information on long-term explantation would help improve placement techniques” Biacchi et al (2015). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Totally implantable venous access ports (TIVAP) are eventually explanted for various reasons, related or unrelated to the implantation […]
Improving cancer patients’ knowledge about totally implantable access port
This study aimed at evaluating the effectiveness of an information booklet, alone or together with answers to clarification questions, both in improving patients’ short- and long-time knowledge about TIAP and in decreasing patients’ physiological indicators of anxiety immediately after TIAP implantation” Piredda et al (2016). Abstract: PURPOSE: Providing patients with written information about totally implantable […]
How to achieve zero CLABSI rates in your ICU
An intensive care unit (ICU) in a suburban Baltimore hospital reduced CLABSI rates to zero in 2012, by revising central venous access device policies and initiatives, which included a bloodstream infection alert system, bundle compliance monitoring and routine evaluation, and use of positive displacement needleless connectors” Wallace and Macy (2016). Abstract: Central line-associated bloodstream infections […]
Using crystalloid and colloid infusions in clinical practice
This review article will provide an overview of these substances and discuss the advantages, disadvantages, and implications for giving crystalloids and colloids in clinical practice” Pierce et al (2016). Abstract: There is still much debate over the optimal fluid to use for resuscitation. Different studies have indicated either crystalloid or colloid is the ideal intravenous […]
Safe infusion practice and the clinical use of KVO reviewed
Given the absence of evidence and the frequent use, it is important to ensure that KVO is used properly in the context of a medical prescription or an organizational protocol” Paquet and Marchionni (2016). Abstract: Like many nursing “sacred cows,” the practice of keeping a vein open with a small infusion of intravenous solution does […]
The practice of therapeutic temperature management
The purpose of this article is to provide a brief overview of the historical development of temperature management and the primary tenets of each of the 3 phases (induction, maintenance, and rewarming), which are now recognized as crucial steps to ensure the safe practice of therapeutic temperature management” Olson and Hoffman (2016). Abstract: In concert […]
Prefilled intravenous flush associated taste and odor disturbances
The aim of this randomized single-blind study is to compare taste and odor disturbances in patients receiving 0.9% sodium chloride flushes from 2 brands” Hamze et al (2016). Abstract: The aim of this randomized single-blind study is to compare taste and odor disturbances in patients receiving 0.9% sodium chloride flushes from 2 brands. Seventy-five patients […]
Hand hygiene compliance following World Health Organisation guideline implementation
Our objective was to evaluate the impact of implementing the updated World Health Organization (WHO) multimodal HH guidelines on HH compliance and HAI in a tertiary hospital in Taiwan” Chen et al (2015). Abstract: Background: Hand hygiene (HH) is considered to be the most simple, rapid, and economic way to prevent health care–associated infection (HAI). […]
Infusion of piperacillin/tazobactam and meropenem in critically ill patients
Analysis of this large dataset has provided additional data on the niche benefits of administration of piperacillin/tazobactam and meropenem by prolonged infusion in critically ill patients, particularly for patients with respiratory infections” Abdul-Aziz et al (2016). Abstract: Objectives: We utilized the database of the Defining Antibiotic Levels in Intensive care unit patients (DALI) study to […]
Pharmacokinetics of meropenem administered as a prolonged infusion
In these CF children, meropenem clearance was greater compared with published values from non-CF children” Pettit et al (2016). Abstract: Objectives: Meropenem is frequently used to treat pulmonary exacerbations in children with cystic fibrosis (CF) in the USA. Prolonged-infusion meropenem improves the time that free drug concentrations remain above the MIC (fT>MIC) in adults, but […]
Improving peripheral intravenous cannula insertion techniques
We sought to identify the reasons for peripheral intravenous cannulae insertion in the emergency department (ED), and the first-time insertion success rate, along with patient and clinician factors influencing this phenomenon” Carr et al (2015). Abstract: Background: We sought to identify the reasons for peripheral intravenous cannulae insertion in the emergency department (ED), and the […]
How to undertake a tunneled central venous catheter exchange
Herein, we emphasize the technical tricks capable of reducing the risk of air embolism in long-term CVC exchange” Rossi et al (2015). Abstract: Malfunctioning tunneled hemodialysis central venous catheters (CVCs), because of thrombotic or infectious complications, are frequently exchanged. During the CVC exchanging procedure, there are several possible technical complications, as in first insertion, including […]
Predicting insertion depths of internal jugular central vein catheters
Goal of study was to test formulas for catheterizations of internal jugular veins (IJVs) in a population of different body height classes with correct CVC tip positions” Struck et al (2015). Abstract: Purpose: Whether formulas for prediction of central venous catheter (CVC) insertion depths have different applicability in patients with different body heights is not […]
Compartment syndrome due to extravasation of peripheral parenteral nutrition
Herein, we report a rare case of compartment syndrome and skin necrosis due to extravasation, requiring emergency fasciotomy and skin graft in a 7-month-old boy who was treated with peripheral parenteral nutrition via a pressurized infusion pump” Park et al (2015). Abstract: Compartment syndrome is a rare but devastating condition that can result in permanent […]
Seldinger guidewire retention after femoral vein catheterization
The present study reported a young female patient who underwent left femoral vein catheterization 6 months earlier in an intensive care unit of another hospital and was diagnosed with complete guidewire retention in the ED” Cat et al (2015). Abstract: Central venous catheters (CVCs) are often used for various purposes in the emergency departments (ED). […]
Using the Targeted Solutions Tool® to improve hand hygiene compliance
Because hand hygiene is a key contributing factor in health care-associated infections (HAIs), this project was an important part of MHHS’s strategy to eliminate HAIs” Shabot et al (2016). Abstract: BACKGROUND: In 2010 Memorial Hermann Health System (MHHS) implemented the Joint Commission Center for Transforming Healthcare’s (the Center’s) Web-based Targeted Solutions Tool ®(TST ®) for […]
How do mechanical properties of Seldinger guide wires differ
Most central venous catheters are placed using Seldinger guide wires. EN ISO 11070 is the guideline for testing guide wire flexing performance and tensile strength…” Schummer (2015). Abstract: BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Most central venous catheters are placed using Seldinger guide wires. EN ISO 11070 is the guideline for testing guide wire flexing performance and tensile […]
Comparison of transducer orientation for ultrasound guided internal jugular venous cannulation
Three transducer orientation approaches have been proposed for this procedure: short-axis (SAX), long-axis (LAX) and oblique-axis (OAX). Our goal was to assess and compare the performance of these approaches” Batllori et al (2015). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Ultrasound-guided internal jugular venous access increases the rate of successful cannulation and reduces the incidence of complications, compared with the […]
Improving your knowledge of central venous access devices
This article describes common CVADs used for administering medications, nutrition, and chemotherapy, and for hemodialysis and venous access for laboratory sampling” Luckianow et al (2016). Abstract: Central venous access devices (CVADs) are commonly used in the inpatient and outpatient settings. Physician assistants must understand CVADs’ indications, intended uses, functional lifespans, complications, and indications for removal. […]
Mediastinal hematoma following implantable central venous port insertion
We report a case of surgical central venous port system implantation using Seldinger’s technique with a life-threatening mediastinal hematoma due to the perforation of the superior vena cava” Sarach et al (2015). Abstract: BACKGROUND: We report a case of surgical central venous port system implantation using Seldinger’s technique with a life-threatening mediastinal hematoma due to […]
Electronic health record solutions reduce central line-associated bloodstream infections
Integrated electronic health records systems can help realize the full benefit of CLABSI prevention strategies by promoting, tracking, and raising the standard for best practices behavior” Quan et al (2015). Reference: Background: Central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) continue to cause preventable morbidity and mortality, but methods for tracking and ensuring consistency of CLABSI-prevention activities remain […]
Three-dimensional imaging of a central venous catheter thrombus
We report an interesting case of a 68-year-old lady with a central venous thrombosis coincident with both a dialysis catheter infection and a recent pacemaker insertion” Chiu et al (2015). Abstract: Three-dimensional (3D) echocardiography is becoming widely available and with novel applications. We report an interesting case of a 68-year-old lady with a central venous […]
Comparison of peripheral and central administration of intravenous chemotherapy
The peripheral and central administration of CBP has similar overall complication rates” Worst et al (2015). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Despite the low local toxicity of the used agents, Cisplatin-based chemotherapy (CBP) for patients with testicular germ cell tumors (TGCT) is mostly delivered via a central venous access (CVA). Since 2008, CBP is given peripherally in our […]
How to release an entrapped central venous catheter
Entrapment of central venous catheters (CVC) at the superior vena cava (SVC) cardiopulmonary bypass cannulation site by closing purse-string sutures is a rare complication of cardiac surgery” Desai et al (2015). Abstract: PURPOSE: Entrapment of central venous catheters (CVC) at the superior vena cava (SVC) cardiopulmonary bypass cannulation site by closing purse-string sutures is a […]
Reducing variability associated with CLABSI surveillance results
To develop a probabilistic method for measuring central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rates that reduces the variability associated with traditional, manual methods of applying CLABSI surveillance definitions” Hota et al (2015). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To develop a probabilistic method for measuring central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rates that reduces the variability associated with traditional, manual methods […]