Spontaneous PICC migration into the azygos vein

Migrations might be related to the material properties of silicone PICCs, the short insertion length, the left-sided placement, the changes of thoracic pressure and the intraoperative traction by thoracic surgeons” Zhang et al (2015). Reference: Zhang, H., Jiang, B., Zhou, H., Qin, Y. and Wang, G. (2015) Spontaneous migration of a peripherally inserted central catheter […]
Correct tip position for PICC lines

The purpose of this study is to verify as early as possible the correct positioning of the peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) tip in order to reduce complications due to possible malpositioning” Baldinelli et al (2015). Reference: Baldinelli, F., Capozzoli, G., Pedrazzoli, R. and Marzano, N. (2015) Evaluation of the correct position of peripherally inserted […]
Comparison of DVT rates between PICC and tunneled venous catheters

The objectives of our study was to compare the cumulative incidence of thrombotic events between peripherally-inserted and long term skin tunneled venous catheters” Sriskandarajah et al (2015). Reference: Sriskandarajah, P., Webb, K., Chisholm, D., Raobaikady, R., Davis, K., Pepper, N., Ethell, M.E., Potter, M.N. and Shaw, B.E. (2015) Retrospective cohort analysis comparing the incidence of […]
Reducing central line-associated bloodstream infections

A quality improvement project was conducted to decrease CLABSI rates by 50% across all ICUs in a tertiary care hospital (Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates)” Reddy et al (2015). Reference: Reddy, K.K., Samuel, A., Smiley, K.A., Weber, S. and Hon, H. (2014) Reducing Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections in Three ICUs at […]
Vocal cord palsy following vascular access port placement

We describe extremely rare cases of vocal cord palsy following surgical insertion of a chemo port” Alazzawi et al (2015). Reference: Alazzawi, S., Hindi, K., Malik, A., Wee, C.A. and Prepageran, N. (2015) Chemo-port insertion: A cause of vocal cord palsy. Laryngoscope. June 24th. [epub ahead of print]. [ctt tweet=”ReTweet if useful… Vocal cord palsy […]
Ultrasound-only central venous catheter placement and confirmation procedure

We propose an ultrasound-first protocol for 3 aspects of central venous catheter placement above the diaphragm: dynamic procedural guidance, evaluation for pneumothorax, and confirmation of the catheter tip location” Saul et al (2015). Reference: Saul, T., Doctor, M., Kaban, N.L., Avitabile, N.C., Siadecki, S.D. and Lewiss, R.E. (2015) The Ultrasound-Only Central Venous Catheter Placement and […]
The role of central venous catheters in confirmed paediatric bloodstream infections

The aim of this survey was to describe the incidence, epidemiology, microbiology, risk factors and outcome of medical care related laboratory-confirmed bloodstream infections (LCBIs) observed during a twelve-month prospective study in a Paediatric Teaching Hospital in Turin, Italy” Virano et al (2015). Reference: Virano, S., Scolfaro, C., Garazzino, S., De Intinis, C., Ghisetti, V., Raffaldi, […]
Ultrasonography-guided central venous port placement in pediatric oncology patients

Image-guided CVP placement with SCV access in a pediatric population was performed with high technical success and low complication rate without general anesthesia” Sofue et al (2015). Reference: Sofue, K., Arai, Y., Takeuchi, Y., Tsurusaki, M., Sakamoto, N. and Sugimura, K. (2015) Ultrasonography-guided central venous port placement with subclavian vein access in pediatric oncology patients. […]
Vascular access implantable port use for antibiotic administration in chickens

Concerns over the volume and frequency of antibiotic injections, combined with the likely duration of treatment, led to the use of a vascular access port to facilitate intravenous antimicrobial therapy” Doneley et al (2015). Reference: Doneley, R.J., Smith, B.A. and Gibson, J.S. (2015) Use of a Vascular Access Port for Antibiotic Administration in the Treatment […]
Ultrasound-guided vascular access by emergency room nurses

The objective of this study is to assess Emergency Department (ED) nurses’ confidence, comfort level, and competency in performing ultrasound-guided vascular access after a focused ultrasound simulation training session” Adhikari et al (2015). Reference: Adhikari, S., Schmier, C. and Marx, J. (2015) Focused simulation training: emergency department nurses’ confidence and comfort level in performing ultrasound-guided […]
Review of blood donation practices in China

Based on national data from 2008 to 2012, we present a comprehensive review on the blood services ranging from policy and organization, supply, donors, screening and processing, and clinical use to government response in contemporary China” Yin et al (2015). Reference: Yin, Y., Li, C. and Liu, Z. (2015) Blood donation in China: sustaining efforts […]
Smart insulin patch is described in this article

Here, we report a novel glucose-responsive insulin delivery device using a painless microneedle-array patch (“smart insulin patch”) containing glucose-responsive vesicles (GRVs; with an average diameter of 118 nm), which are loaded with insulin and glucose oxidase (GOx) enzyme” Yu et al (2015). Reference: Yu, J., Zhang, Y., Yea, Y., DiSanto, R., Sun, W., Ranson, D., […]
How to determine the insertion length of umbilical catheters

…external anatomical landmarks to determine a new method for the estimation of appropriate insertion length of umbilical catheters, suitable for newborn infants of varying birth weight (BW) and gestational age” Gupta et al (2015). Reference: Gupta, A.O., Peesay, M.R. and Ramasethu, J. (2015) Simple measurements to place umbilical catheters using surface anatomy. Journal of Perinatology. […]
Table to quickly calculate glucose infusion rates in neonates

In our NICU, we give all residents a set of laminated cards with useful information that helps them manage common neonatal issues they are likely to encounter” Chowning and Adamkin (2015). Reference: Chowning, R. and Adamkin, D.H. (2015) Table to quickly calculate glucose infusion rates in neonates. Journal of Perinatology. 35, p.463. [ctt tweet=”ReTweet if […]
Cardiac tamponade following removal of fractured PICC

Acute cardiac tamponade (ACT) is a life-threatening complication associated with a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) in premature neonates. We present a case of ACT in a 4-day-old male infant” Minghui et al (2015). Reference: Minghui, Z., Hujun, C., Li, M., Weidan, C., Yanqin, C. and Xinxin, C. (2015) Iatrogenic acute cardiac tamponade during percutaneous […]
Experience with CVADs in a hemophilia primary prophylaxis study

The aim of this study was to assess CVAD use in the Canadian Hemophilia Primary Prophylaxis Study (CHPS), a single-arm, multi-centre prospective study whereby factor use is tailored to individual prophylactic need” Langley et al (2015). Reference: Langley, A.R., Stain, A.M., Chan, A., McLimont, M., Chait, S., Wu, J., Poon, M.C., Card, R., Israels, S.J., […]
Subcutaneous rehydration for the treatment of elderly during heat-waves

Prehospital stuctures have to be implemented to maintain oral Rehydration aware of a more intensive care. At the same time there is the need to use the parenteral method of subcutaneous infusion (Hypodermoclysis) for a defined time” Schnürle (2015). Reference: Schnürle, J. (2015) Subcutaneous rehydration for efficient treatment of elderly people during heat-waves. Deutsche Medizinische […]
Survey of sharps injuries among healthcare workers in USA hospitals

The Exposure Study of Occupational Practice (EXPO-S.T.O.P.) is used annually to ascertain BE incidence in the healthcare facilities of members of the Association of Occupational Health Professionals in Healthcare (AOHP). This BE incidence survey is for the 2012 calendar year” Grimmond and Good (2015). Reference: Grimmond, T. and Good, L. (2015) EXPO-S.T.O.P.-2012: Year Two of […]
Blood sampling to determine maximum plasma concentrations

The purpose of this study was to identify and validate potential corrective models based on anatomy and physiology governing the blood supply at the site of sampling and incorporate them into a PBPK platform” Musther et al (2015). Reference: Musther, H., Gill, K.L., Chetty, M., Rostami-Hodjegan, A., Rowland, M. and Jamei, M. (2015) Are Physiologically […]
Electromagnetic needle tracking during internal jugular cannulation

This study used three-dimensional information from Stealth navigation technology during simulated right internal jugular vein cannulation to define the initial needle trajectory taken when using three approaches: landmark (LM), short-axis (SAX) ultrasound and long-axis (LAX) ultrasound” Faulke et al (2015). Reference: Faulke, D.J., Hall, T.H. and Nixon, C. (2015) Electromagnetic needle tracking during simulated right […]
Effects of intraosseous and intravenous administration of Hextend

The purposes of this study were to compare administration time of Hextend and the effects on hemodynamics when Hextend is administered by the sternal IO (SIO) and IV routes in a swine model of hemorrhagic shock” Johnson et al (2015). Reference: Johnson, D., Penaranda, C., Phillips, K., Rice, D., Vanderhoek, L., Gegel, B., Burgert, J. […]
Current view of vancomycin in the treatment of MRSA

The review article interprets recommendations for treating methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections with vancomycin” Martínková (2015). Reference: Martínková, J. (2015) Current view of vancomycin in the treatment of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) infections. Klinická Mikrobiologie a Infekc̆ní Lékar̆ství. 21(1), p.16-23. [Article in Czech]. [ctt tweet=”ReTweet if useful… Current view of vancomycin in the treatment of […]
Systematic review of Infliximab-related infusion reactions

We conducted extensive search of electronic databases of MEDLINE (PubMed) for reports that communicate various aspects of infusion reactions to infliximab in IBD patients” Lichtenstein et al (2015). Reference: Lichtenstein, L., Ron, Y., Kivity, S., Ben-Horin, S., Israeli, E., Fraser, G.M., Dotan, I., Chowers, Y., Confino-Cohen, R. and Weiss, B. (2015) Infliximab-Related Infusion Reactions Systematic […]
Hypertonic saline in resuscitation after hypovolemic shock

This study was designed to compare the effects of and complications associated with 3% HSS, 7.5% HSS, and standard fluid in resuscitation” Han et al (2015). Reference: Han, J., Ren, H.Q., Zhao, Q.B., Wu, Y.L. and Qiao, Z.Y. (2015) Comparison of 3% and 7.5% Hypertonic Saline in Resuscitation After Traumatic Hypovolemic Shock. Shock. 43(3), p.244-9. […]
Using ballistics gel for vascular access simulation phantoms

We introduce ballistics gel as a new material for the creation of simulating phantoms” Morrow and Broder (2015). Reference: Morrow, D.S. and Broder, J. (2015) Cost-effective, Reusable, Leak-resistant Ultrasound-guided Vascular Access Trainer. The Journal of Emergency Medicine June 18th. [epub ahead of print]. [ctt tweet=”ReTweet if useful… Using ballistics gel for vascular access simulation phantoms […]
Variability in the management of vascular access ports

Clinical practice and provided care to patients with vascular access ports are influenced by region and structural and organisational differences in the outpatient chemotherapy units” Fernández-de-Maya and and Richart-Martínez (2015). Reference: Fernández-de-Maya, J. and Richart-Martínez, M. (2015) Factors associated with variability in management of vascular access ports. European Journal of Cancer Care. June 15th. [epub […]
Incidence and risk factors of post infusion phlebitis

Analysis of existing data set from a large randomized controlled trial, the primary purpose of which was to compare routine peripheral intravascular catheter changes with changing catheters only on clinical indication” Webster et al (2015). Reference: Webster, J., McGrail, M., Marsh, N., Wallis, M.C., Ray-Barruel, G. and Rickard, C.M. (2015) Postinfusion Phlebitis: Incidence and Risk […]
The effect of intravenous fluids on the intravascular space

During fluid infusion therapy, plasma proteins are diluted and leak from the intravascular space, which alters the colloid osmotic pressure (COP) and potentially affects coagulation. We hypothesised that acetated Ringer’s and starch solution, alone or in combination, influence these mechanisms differently” Zdolsek et al (2015). Reference: Zdolsek, J.H., Bergek, C., Lindahl, T.L. and Hahn, R.G. […]
CT image quality using intravenous or intraosseous contrast administration

This study was performed to assess the efficacy of i.o. administration of contrast agents for enhanced computed tomography (CT) imaging of the chest and abdomen” Cohen et al (2015). Reference: Cohen, J., Duncan, L., Triner, W., Rea, J., Siskin, G. and King, C. (2015) Comparison of COMPUTED TOMOGRAPHY Image Quality Using Intravenous vs. Intraosseous Contrast […]
Cost-effectiveness analysis of a transparent antimicrobial intravenous dressing

This study uses a novel health economic model to estimate the cost-effectiveness of using the chlorhexidine gluconate dressing versus transparent dressings in a French intensive care unit scenario” Maunoury et al (2015). Reference: Maunoury, F., Motrunich, A., Palka-Santini, M., Bernatchez, S.F., Ruckly, S. and Timsit, J.F. (2015) Cost-Effectiveness Analysis of a Transparent Antimicrobial Dressing for […]