Clinically indicated removal versus routine replacement of peripheral IV catheters
Implementing clinically indicated removal of PVCs has resulted in better patient experience with fewer PVCs for a course of treatment. Implementation has also resulted in cost savings for the Trust with a notable decrease in number of PVCs used” McGuire and Coronado (2020). Abstract Latest clinical guidelines for peripheral vascular catheters (PVC) recommend that they […]
Acceptability of external jugular venepuncture for patients with liver disease
This study aimed to understand the experience of DVA for liver patients and the acceptability of peripheral venepuncture versus external jugular venepuncture (EJV)” Sheils et al (2020). Abstract: Background: Difficult venous access (DVA) is common in liver patients requiring blood collection using traditional peripheral approaches. This study aimed to understand the experience of DVA for […]
Utility of the DIVA score for experienced emergency department technicians
This study provides preliminary evidence for the validity of the DIVA score when applied to IVs placed by emergency department technicians” Shaukat et al (2020). Abstract: Background: The DIVA score is validated for predicting success of the initial attempt at peripheral intravenous insertion by nurses and physicians. A score of 4 or greater is 50% […]
Risk of contrast extravasation with vascular access in CT
The goal of this study is to describe the risk of contrast extravasation based on IV catheter anatomic location in patients receiving contrast-enhanced CT imaging” Stowell et al (2020). Abstract: PURPOSE: Diagnostic computed tomography (CT) imaging, utilizing intravenous (IV) contrast administration, has become increasingly common. Potential IV contrast-associated complications include local skin and soft tissue […]
Survival after intravenous versus intraosseous Amiodarone
Survival to hospital admission also increased significantly when drugs were given IV but not IO, and favored improved neurological outcome at discharge” Daya et al (2020). Abstract: Background: Antiarrhythmic drugs have not proven to significantly improve overall survival after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA) from shock-refractory ventricular fibrillation/pulseless ventricular tachycardia (VF/VT). How this might be influenced […]
Safety of PICC versus implanted port catheters
Both peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) and implanted port catheters (PORTs) are used for adjuvant chemotherapy (ACT) administration in patients with early breast cancer (EBC). We aimed to compare the safety between PICCs and PORTs in this setting” Clatot et al (2020). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Both peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) and implanted port catheters (PORTs) […]
Treatment of central venous stenosis or occlusion in hemodialysis patients
The present study compared percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) with percutaneous transluminal angioplasty and stent placement (PTS) for treatment of central venous stenosis or central vein occlusion in hemodialysis patients” Wu et al (2020). Abstract: OBJECTIVES: A common cause of hemodialysis vascular access dysfunction, a primary cause of morbidity and mortality in patients undergoing hemodialysis, is […]
Racial and sex disparities in dialysis catheter use in US
Despite efforts to increase arteriovenous fistula and graft use, 80% of patients in the United States start hemodialysis on a central venous catheter (CVC)” Arya et al (2020). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Despite efforts to increase arteriovenous fistula and graft use, 80% of patients in the United States start hemodialysis on a central venous catheter (CVC). METHODS: […]
Evaluating ultrasound-guided peripheral IV cannulation training
The primary objective of this study was to identify the proportion of clinicians using ultrasound guidance (USG) to insert peripheral intravenous cannulas (PIVCs) in the emergency department (ED) following attendance at a hospital-based USG PIVC training program” Archer-Jones et al (2020). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: The primary objective of this study was to identify the proportion of […]
PVC infusion tubing drug sorption and plasticizer release
Coextruded layered materials appeared to have a lower plasticizer release than PVC alone. As a conclusion, PVC/PE and thermoplastic elastomers alone or coextruded with PVC could be interesting alternatives to PVC tubings with regards to sorption phenomena and plasticizer release” Tokhadze et al (2019). Abstract: Medical tubings in plasticized polyvinylchloride (PVC) are widely used for […]
Persistent barriers to timely IV catheter removal
Indwelling urinary and vascular catheters are valuable devices in patient care, but prolonged or unnecessary use increases the risk of infectious and noninfectious catheter harms” Quinn et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Indwelling urinary and vascular catheters are valuable devices in patient care, but prolonged or unnecessary use increases the risk of infectious and noninfectious catheter […]
Safety of intravenous push thiamine administration
The objective of this analysis was to evaluate the incidence of anaphylaxis and IV site reactions associated with IV push thiamine” McLaughlin et al (2020). Abstract: OBJECTIVES: Intravenous (IV) thiamine, administered using both diluted solution for infusion and undiluted solution for IV push, is used to correct low levels of thiamine. Although thiamine has a […]
Outcomes of intermittent-infusion versus continuous-infusion vancomycin
Continuous-infusion vancomycin (CIV) may be associated with a lower risk of vancomycin-associated nephrotoxicity compared with IIV, but studies comparing safety of both dosing strategies are lacking” Ma et al (2020). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Patients with good renal function receiving intermittent-infusion vancomycin (IIV) may require total daily doses ≥4 g to achieve trough concentrations of 15-20 mg/L, increasing the […]
Central line-associated bloodstream infection prevention team
Studies have quantitatively demonstrated that line teams can reduce the rate of CLABSI. The purpose of this study was to qualitatively assess the function of the line team” Stroever et al (2020). Abstract: Background: A central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) is a serious complication. Patients in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) are at increased […]
Peripheral intravenous catheter needleless connector decontamination study
There was no difference in the effectiveness of 70% IPA and 2% CHG in 70% IPA for NC decontamination for peripheral intravenous catheters in the clinical environment” Slater et al (2020). Abstract: Background: Needleless connectors (NCs) were introduced to reduce health care work needlestick injuries (NSIs). If not decontaminated prior to use, NCs can be […]
Process for assessing products for infection prevention in health care settings
The CDC has been developing guidelines and recommendations to prevent and control health care–associated infections since the 1970s and with advice from HICPAC since the 1990s” Chopra et al (2020). Extract: The Healthcare Infection Control Practices Advisory Committee (HICPAC) is a federal advisory committee chartered to provide advice and guidance to the U.S. Department of […]
Infusion therapy in Parkinson’s Disease
Though controlled release forms of levodopa are available, they do not prevent or provide significantly prolonged benefit for motor complications [2,3]. This creates space for the development of infusion therapies” Prakash et al (2019). Extract: Motor complications result from the combination of multiple underlying factors. Reduced striatal dopaminergic terminal function plays a pivotal role in […]
Mechanisms of pain relief during venipuncture
“The easily performed “cough-trick” (CT) reduces pain during venipuncture (VP), although the underlying mechanism remains unclear” Usichenko et al (2019).
Double-chamber syringe versus classic syringes for drug administration and flushing
The development of this medical device (dual-chamber syringe, for drug and flush solution) seems to be an important step to facilitate nurses’ adoption of good clinical practices in intravenous procedures, reducing catheter manipulations” Parreira et al (2020). Abstract: BACKGROUND: The prevention of catheter-related complications is nowadays an important topic of research. Flushing catheters is considered […]
Calcification and abscess formation around central catheter tip
We report a case of calcification and abscess formation around a central venous catheter tip” Takami et al (2020). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Thrombosis of the internal jugular vein occasionally occurs in association with long-term placement of a central venous catheter; however, such complications rarely involve calcification within the blood vessels. We report a case of calcification […]
Alternatives to peripheral IV administration
This study monitors presence and complications of PVCs in a infectious disease (ID) unit of a tertiary care university hospital” Mailhe et al (2020). Abstract: The use of peripheral venous catheters (PVCs) is very common in hospital. After a visit to the emergency department, the literature finds that more of 75% of the hospitalized patients […]
Is mitoxantrone as a vesicant or irritant?
Mitoxantrone is a chemotherapeutic agent approved for various diseases. The literature has been conflicting in classifying mitoxantrone as a vesicant or irritant” Chang (2020). Abstract: Introduction: Mitoxantrone is a chemotherapeutic agent approved for various diseases. The literature has been conflicting in classifying mitoxantrone as a vesicant or irritant. Case report: We report a patient who […]
Venous thromboembolism in cancer patients
Patients with cancer-associated venous thromboembolism (VTE) represent a real challenge in clinical practice” Iorga et al (2019). Abstract: Patients with cancer-associated venous thromboembolism (VTE) represent a real challenge in clinical practice. Patients with cancer have a greater risk both of VTE and bleeding. There are only a few studies regarding the therapeutic approach of VTE […]
Mid-thigh cannulation of the superficial femoral vein
The technique of femoral inserted central catheters insertion via the superficial femoral vein at the mid-thigh has a high success rate, low complication rate, and less impact on activities, and is easy to maintain” Zhao et al (2019). Abstract: PURPOSE: Patients needing medium- to long-term infusion therapy with limited catheterization via the superior vena cava […]
Effect of cold and hot compress on the site of doxorubicin extravasation
In the present study, we investigated a part of the mechanism responsible for the effects of hot and cold compresses for extravasation of doxorubicin” Miura et al (2019). Abstract: In the present study, we investigated a part of the mechanism responsible for the effects of hot and cold compresses for extravasation of doxorubicin. We injected […]
Differences in CLABSI rates based on central line days
Central line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rates are an important quality performance indicator associated with patient morbidity, mortality, and increased costs” Scheinker et al (2020). Abstract: Central line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) rates are an important quality performance indicator associated with patient morbidity, mortality, and increased costs. Hospital CLABSI rates are tracked, reported, and tied to reimbursement […]
Risk factors for PICC complications in neonates
Approximately one-third of PICCs were associated with complications. When feasible, lower extremity PICCs should be placed as they may be associated with fewer complications” Pet et al (2020). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To determine factors associated with nonelective PICC removal and complications. STUDY DESIGN: Overall, 1234 PICCs were placed in 918 hospitalized infants
FUSION IV Pharmaceuticals issues voluntary nationwide recall of all sterile drug products
FUSION IV Pharmaceuticals, Inc dba. AXIA Pharmaceutical is voluntarily recalling all unused sterile drug products within expiry” FDA (2019). FDA report “FUSION IV Pharmaceuticals, Inc dba. AXIA Pharmaceutical is voluntarily recalling all unused sterile drug products within expiry, to the user level, due to a lack of assurance of sterility. The recalled sterile products have […]
Catheter tip location of totally implantable venous access port
The purpose of our study is to compare the reliability and consistency of three commonly used techniques, which are surface measurement, intracardiac electrocardiogram (IECG) and tracheal bifurcation methods in measuring the tip location of totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP) in the same patient” Li et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: The purpose of our study […]
Thromboresistant hydrogel for vascular access applications
This high-strength thromboresistant hydrogel could have a major impact as a novel biomaterial for use in vascular access applications to improve patient health” Mannarino et al (2020). Abstract: Adherence of proteins, cells, and microorganisms to the surface of biomaterials used for vascular access contribute to device failure by thrombosis, occlusions, and infections. Current technologies for […]