ECG-guided technique for umbilical venous catheterisation

To investigate the effectiveness and safety of modified electrocardiogram (ECG)-guided technique in umbilical venous catheterisation in neonates” Wu et al (2019). Abstract: AIM: To investigate the effectiveness and safety of modified electrocardiogram (ECG)-guided technique in umbilical venous catheterisation in neonates. METHODS: Sixty-six critically ill neonates underwent umbilical venous catheterisation with (ECG group) or without (control […]
Lactic acidemia due to an infliximab infusion reaction

After ruling out other potential causes of lactic acidemia, her final diagnosis was determined to be the rare presentation of an infliximab infusion reaction” Vigh and Levy (2019). Abstract: We present the case of a patient who presented to the emergency department complaining of diffuse myalgias, severe jaw pain and chills. She met criteria for […]
Venipuncture nerve injuries from more than 1 million procedures

The purpose of this study was to investigate the nerve injury rate for 1 million venipunctures and the efficacy of attempts to avoid severe nerve injury” Tsukuda et al (2019). Abstract: Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the nerve injury rate for 1 million venipunctures and the efficacy of attempts to avoid […]
Early intravenous iron administration reduces red blood cell transfusion

The implementation of Patient Blood Management principles and early intravenous iron therapy in the Emergency Department have proved to be effective tools to optimise resources both in terms of units transfused and costs” Beverina et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Moderate to severe iron deficiency anaemia is a common finding in patients admitted to the Emergency […]
Design and implementation of infusion monitor software

To design an infusion monitor software and implement the establishment of wireless intelligent infusion monitoring system in hospital infusion area combined with the existing platform equipment in the laboratory” Wu et al (2019). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To design an infusion monitor software and implement the establishment of wireless intelligent infusion monitoring system in hospital infusion area […]
Practical guide for safe central venous catheterization

However, because it may occasionally cause lethal complications, we developed this practical guide that will help a novice operator successfully perform central venous catheterization using ultrasound guidance” Safety Committee of Japanese Society of Anesthesiologists (2019). Abstract: Central venous catheterization is a basic skill applicable in various medical fields. However, because it may occasionally cause lethal […]
Review of trimmed PICC for neonatal patients

PICCs are generally the venous access method of choice for long term access in neonates despite the risk of complications” Jahagirdar and Featherstone (2019). Excerpt: Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) are thin tubes inserted for central venous access. They are minimally invasive and used where longer-term intravenous access is required to administer therapeutic needs such […]
Intraosseous catheterization during pediatric resuscitation

Our objective is to identify factors associated with the attempt and timing of IO catheterization in a pediatric emergency department (ED) resuscitation setting” Lee et al (2019). Abstract: STUDY OBJECTIVE: Factors associated with intraosseous (IO) catheterization are not well described. Our objective is to identify factors associated with the attempt and timing of IO catheterization […]
Needle migration in intravenous drug users

While intravenous drug users occasionally report the breaking of a needle into the skin or subcutaneous tissue, central needle migration remains a rare but potentially devastating complication” Levy et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Thirteen million people inject drugs globally, making intravenous drug abuse a substantial concern worldwide. While intravenous drug users occasionally report the breaking […]
Vascular access cannulation in hemodialysis patients

The objective of this study was to evaluate the cannulation technique and to determine which factors are associated with each detail of the technique” Castro et al (2019). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: The vascular access cannulation technique varies among clinics, and guidelines on vascular access give little importance to cannulation techniques. The objective of this study was […]
Incidence of midline catheter-associated bloodstream infections

In a retrospective study conducted over 12 months in a multi-hospital system, the incidence of bloodstream infections associated with midline catheters was not significantly lower than that associated with central venous catheters” Hogle et al (2019). Abstract: In a retrospective study conducted over 12 months in a multi-hospital system, the incidence of bloodstream infections associated […]
Ultrasound for peripheral IV and arterial access

The aim of this review article is to provide concise and practical information on the basics of ultrasound and its application to obtain peripheral venous and arterial access” Oliver et al (2019). Abstract: Peripheral venous access is perhaps the most commonly performed procedure in hospitals, urgent care, or surgical centers across the country. The ability […]
OPAT experience in Switzerland

We aimed to study the OPAT programme at the University Hospital Basel during a 3-year period to evaluate safety and outcome” Erba et al (2019). Abstract: PURPOSE: Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial therapy (OPAT) programmes are established in the minority of Swiss hospitals. We aimed to study the OPAT programme at the University Hospital Basel during a […]
National cost burden of in-hospital needlestick injuries

In the United States, the annual cost burden was estimated as somewhere between $118 million to $591 million; in the United Kingdom it is approximated to be £500,000 (US$919,117.65) per the National Health Service” Kunishima et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Needlestick injury (NSI) is one of the most burdensome professional hazards in any medical setting; […]
Superior vena cava duplication and central line placement

We present a case of a central venous catheter placement with port for chemotherapy use, during which a duplication of a superior vena cava was discovered on CTA chest after fluoroscopy could not confirm placement of the guidewire” Gunther et al (2019). Abstract: 5 million central venous access lines are placed every year in the […]
Competency-based point-of-care ultrasound curriculum

Point-of-care ultrasound is becoming increasingly utilized in centers throughout the country for use in perioperative regional anesthesia procedures, vascular access, diagnosis, and resuscitation” Rashid et al (2019). Abstract: Point-of-care ultrasound is becoming increasingly utilized in centers throughout the country for use in perioperative regional anesthesia procedures, vascular access, diagnosis, and resuscitation. We propose an educational […]
New registry of vascular access for hemodialysis

We have developed a new registry of the Vascular Accesses (VA) of all the patients afferent to our health district in order to improve their management” Lefons et al (2019). Abstract: We have developed a new registry of the Vascular Accesses (VA) of all the patients afferent to our health district in order to improve […]
Review of needlestick prevention safety devices

Our surveillance investigated the frequency and the modality of SED-related NSIs in the Piedmont region to verify changes in the epidemiology of these events” Ottino et al (2019). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Needlestick and sharps injuries (NSIs) involving healthcare workers (HCWs) are worldwide under surveillance since long time; the implementation of the European Directive 32/2010 regarding the […]
Inadvertent insertion of central catheter into the internal thoracic vein

Here, the authors describe a case in which a fully implantable catheter was inadvertently positioned in the right internal thoracic vein” Tristão et al (2019). Abstract: Central venous catheters are widely used in clinical practice and are linked to many types of complications, including incorrect positioning at the time the catheter is fitted. Here, the […]
Conference on the safety of intravenous drug delivery systems

The Third Consensus Conference on the Safety of Intravenous Drug Delivery Systems was convened to evaluate the benefits and risks of available systems and assess ongoing threats to the safety of intravenous drug delivery” Gabay et al (2019). Abstract: PURPOSE: The Third Consensus Conference on the Safety of Intravenous Drug Delivery Systems was convened to […]
Influence of arm position change on ECG PICC tip location

The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of arm movements from adduction to abduction on intracavitary electrocardiogram and the position of a catheter tip” Zhu et al (2019). Abstract: PURPOSE: The aim of this study is to evaluate the influence of arm movements from adduction to abduction on intracavitary electrocardiogram and the […]
Postexposure prophylaxis following needlestick injury

Occupational exposures following needlestick injuries are far from being uncommon and require a standardised approach in counselling the respective healthcare worker” Strobel and Eis (2019). Abstract: Occupational exposures following needlestick injuries are far from being uncommon and require a standardised approach in counselling the respective healthcare worker. In addition, non-occupational exposures likewise cause consultations of […]
Totally implantable central venous port complications

To analyze postoperative complications of totally implantable central venous port system (TIPCVP) deployment and develop methods of their prevention” Smolyar et al (2019). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: To analyze postoperative complications of totally implantable central venous port system (TIPCVP) deployment and develop methods of their prevention. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The study involved 43 patients who underwent TIPCVP […]
The clinical performance of midline catheters

The median dwell time of the midline catheters was 8 days with substantial variation whereas the incidence for premature catheter removal was 71.8/1000 catheter days. The majority of midline catheters were removed prematurely” Bundgaard Madsen et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: The use of peripheral venous catheters is hampered by short dwell time and central venous […]
Assessing the quality of life in patients with vascular access

A well-functioning vascular access (VA) and the absence of complications are certainly associated with better health in patients on dialysis but unfortunately VA-related perceived HRQoL has so far been a subject of little interesting literature” Colturi et al (2019). Abstract: Patients undergoing haemodialytic treatment have a lower quality of life than the general population because […]
How to prevent legal disputes with central line positioning

The use of ultrasound during central venous catheter placement has significantly reduced the number of complications” Fiorini and Granata (2019). Abstract: Central venous catheterization is a procedure frequently performed in daily clinical practice. The use of ultrasound during central venous catheter placement has significantly reduced the number of complications. However, while the outcome of the […]
What is the impact of air bubbles in infusion tubing

However, even modest amounts of air can cause pulmonary vasoconstriction, right ventricular outflow tract obstruction, myocardial ischemia and even complete cardiovascular collapse” Bulsara et al (2019). Extract: The introduction of air into the arterial or venous circulatory system has been associated with devastating consequences. Yet, routine infusion of small amounts of air seems to be […]
Effect of small volume vacuum phlebotomy tubes on anaemia

We aimed to determine whether low volume blood sampling using SVTs for routine diagnostic purposes translates to decreased fall in haemoglobin concentration, and examine downstream effects on anaemia and need for transfusion during ICU admission” Briggs et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) undergo multiple blood tests. Small volume vacuum […]
Injection and infusion technology for MRI use

In this paper, the development of a highly portable, lightweight, and MRI-compatible pump system is explained” Kalmar et al (2019). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Contrast media injections, infusions, or experiments that require a constant volume flow close to or within a very high magnetic field like in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) require a liquid reservoir and a […]
Complications associated with totally implantable venous access port

“The aim of the study is to elucidate the characteristics and risk factors of late complications associated with TIVAP implantation via the IJV” Tsuruta et al (2019).