Comparison of in-suite versus portable tunneled femoral central line placement
Compare the cost of placing tunneled femoral central lines in the interventional radiology suite to portable bedside placement using time-driven activity-based costing” Hayatghaibi et al (2019). Abstract: OBJECTIVE: Compare the cost of placing tunneled femoral central lines in the interventional radiology suite to portable bedside placement using time-driven activity-based costing. METHODS: Detailed process maps were […]
Intraosseous administration of 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate
We describe a case of a 69-year-old female receiving oral apixaban that was successfully administered 4F-PCC using intraosseous access prior to emergent surgery to obtain haemostasis intraoperatively” Ratliff et al (2019). Abstract: WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: The 4-factor prothrombin complex concentrate (4F-PCC) may be used to emergently achieve haemostasis in patients on anticoagulation prior […]
Safety of phenylephrine administration through peripheral IV catheters
Protocol-driven peripheral administration of lower concentration phenylephrine in an ICU setting is safe and feasible” Ballieu et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE: Blood pressure optimization and maintenance of cerebral and spinal perfusion pressure are mainstays in the treatment of a neurocritically ill patient. Traditionally, central venous access has been required for vasopressor administration, with risk of […]
Effects of patient age on patency of hemodialysis vascular access
In this single-center, retrospective observational study, we assessed the long-term patency of vascular access (VA) after first VA placement to uncover independent risk factors associated with VA patency in Asian hemodialysis (HD) patients stratified by age” Jeong et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: In this single-center, retrospective observational study, we assessed the long-term patency of vascular […]
Study of intravenous infusion safety in English hospitals
Some behaviours that may be considered deviations from policy or best practice are the result of reasoned clinical judgement to improve infusion safety in response to the specific situation at hand” Vos et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Deviations from local policy and national recommended best practice are common in the administration of intravenous infusions, but […]
Vancomycin compatibility with parenteral nutrition admixtures
The present study aimed to determine the compatibility between vancomycin (VMC) and five ready-to-use PN admixtures utilized worldwide (Kabiven, Nutriflex Lipid Special, Olimel N9E, Nutriflex Omega Special, and Smofkabiven) in order to assess the possibility of their co-administration via Y-sites” Stawny et al 92019). Abstract: BACKGROUND & AIMS: A co-infusion of parenteral nutrition (PN) and […]
Ultrasound-based simulation for cannulation in outpatient hemodialysis units
This article details an educational protocol including hands-on simulation for training dialysis technicians and nurses in ultrasound-guided cannulation techniques” Niyyar (2019). Abstract: Portable ultrasounds are often referred to as the “new stethoscope.” Their portability and affordability have led to improved diagnostic capabilities at the point of care in virtually every field of medicine, and hemodialysis […]
Clinical outcomes among elderly patients undergoing hemodialysis
We evaluated the impact of comorbidity burden on the association between vascular access type and mortality risk among 23,100 hemodialysis patients aged ≥65 years from the Korean Society of Nephrology End-Stage Renal Disease registry data” Jhee et al (2019). Abstract: The optimal vascular access type for elderly hemodialysis patients is controversial. We evaluated the impact […]
Virtual reality during pediatric vascular access
Vascular access is a minor procedure that is associated with reported pain and fear in pediatric patients, often resulting in procedural incompliance. Virtual reality has been shown to be effective in adult populations for reducing pain and anxiety in various medical settings, although large studies are lacking in pediatrics” Caruso et al 92019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: […]
Lean methodology and central line dressing kits
Since supplies was noted as the number one concern, the team worked to create all-inclusive central line dressing kits” Jake Yaglowski (2020). Abstract: A team of the frontline nursing staff was assembled to work on central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs). This team used Lean methodology to identify issues related to central line care and maintenance […]
Intracavitary electrocardiogram-guided PICC placement in premature infants
The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of intracavitary electrocardiogram (IC-ECG)-guided peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placement and tip positioning in premature infants” Xiao et al (2019). Abstract: This pre-post intervention study was conducted in Neonatal Intensive Care Units in two Chinese hospitals. The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of […]
Central venous access device complications with parenteral nutrition
The results showed that patients receiving PN through CVADs within general ward settings experience CRBSI at rates no different from those reported within critical care settings” Martincich et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Central venous access devices (CVADs) are used widely in acute clinical settings for the infusion of parenteral nutrition (PN) in patients who are […]
Antibiotic administration practices involving patients with sepsis
To find out whether any common practice exists for intravenous antibiotic administration in critical care units across UK NHS Trusts, and identify factors influencing the adoption of extended or continuous infusions” Barton et al (2019). Abstract: Background: Alternative administration methods are emerging as a key area of research to improve clinical efficacy of antibiotics and […]
Considerations for vascular access polymer coating embolism
Lubricious polymer coatings are increasingly used on intravascular devices to facilitate easier access and navigation through tortuous blood vessels. Recent reports highlight the separation and downstream embolism of polymer particles affecting the vasculature and various organs” Chopra (2019). Abstract: Lubricious polymer coatings are increasingly used on intravascular devices to facilitate easier access and navigation through […]
Prospective randomized controlled trial of needlefee connectors and CRBSI
Needle-free connectors (NFC) have been suggested to reduce the rate of bacterial contamination and subsequent catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI), but data remains ambiguous. Thus, we tested if a novel NFC would reduce bacterial contamination and subsequent CRBSI” Koeppen et al ( 20190. Abstract: BACKGROUND: In the critically ill, catheter-related bloodstream infection can result from bacterial […]
Trisodium citrate central catheter lock solution reviewed
The use of low concentration citrate as catheter lock was cost-effective when compared with heparin” Jayaprakash et al (2019). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Unfractionated heparin is the commonly used catheter lock solution in patients with temporary dialysis catheters as hemodialysis access. The effectiveness of trisodium citrate as an alternate catheter lock agent has not been studied in […]
Implantation strategy for totally implantable venous access ports
A primary open strategy by cut-down of the cephalic vein, if necessary enhanced by a modified Seldinger technique, reduces the frequency of pneumothorax or haemothorax after central venous port implantation significantly compared with a closed strategy by primary puncture of the subclavian vein without routine sonographic guidance” Hüttner et al (2019). Abstract: OBJECTIVES: PORTAS-3 was […]
Literature review of epicutaneo-caval catheters in neonates
The aim of this editorial is to give 10 recommendations that correspond to 10 novelties in the field of epicutaneo-caval catheter: some are already evidence-based and should be introduced in our daily practice now, while others are particularly interesting and deserve further clinical studies” Barone and Pittiruti (2019). Abstract: Epicutaneo-caval catheters have been widely used […]
Catheter-free fistula use in hemodialysis patients
In our study, older patients who underwent a fistula attempt were just as likely as younger patients to achieve catheter-free fistula use, within a similar time frame, and while requiring a similar number of access procedures” Ladak et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Clinical practice guidelines recommend arteriovenous fistulas as the preferred form of vascular access […]
Vancomycin infusion methods on phlebitis prevention in children
Due to high usage of Vancomycin in children and subsequent phlebitis in their intravenous lines, the current study aimed at comparing the effects of two intervention and routine vancomycin infusion methods in preventing phlebitis in hospitalized children” Tork-Torabi et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: Hospitalized children require antibiotic therapy. The most common side effect of intravenous […]
Femoral central venous line extravasation in a neonate
This report describes the case of a neonate with a femoral CVC, who developed ascites as a result of extravasation of PN” Kotinatot et al (2019). Abstract: Central venous lines are an essential part of neonatal intensive care and are used for infusion of medications and parenteral nutrition (PN). PN is usually given via either […]
Novel inside-out access approach for hemodialysis catheter placement
To enable right-sided CVC placement in patients with TCVO, an inside-out access (IOA) approach was established at 3 vascular access centers in Europe involving use of a novel IOA device advanced from the right femoral vein” Reindl-Schwaighofer et al (2019). Abstract: RATIONALE & OBJECTIVE: Left-sided internal jugular and all subclavian central venous catheters (CVCs) cause […]
Stenosis characterization and identification for dialysis vascular access
Our initial results suggest that the widely-used auditory spectral centroid is a simple way to calculate features which can estimate both the location and severity of vascular access stenosis” Chin et al (2018). Abstract: Vascular access dysfunction is the leading cause of hospitalization for hemodialysis patients and accounts for the most medical costs in this […]
Computerized intravenous insulin infusion protocol
We aimed to describe the outcome of a computerized intravenous insulin infusion (CII) protocol integrated to the electronic health record (EHR) system and to improve the CII protocol in silico using the EHR-based predictors of the outcome” Park et al (2019). Abstract: BACKGROUND: We aimed to describe the outcome of a computerized intravenous insulin infusion […]
Central venous catheter-associated bloodstream infection in children
We reported a “hierarchy” in CLABSI incidence among patients with IF and showed that CLABSI incidence and etiology were different as function of background diseases and CVC insertion site” Nassar et al (2019). Abstract: OBJECTIVES: To study the clinical, epidemiological, and microbiological associations between intestinal failure (IF) and central line-associated infections (CLABSI) in patients with […]
Defining the correct diluent for intravenous infusion
Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are commonly administered to patients through intravenous (IV) infusion, which involves diluting the medication into an infusion solution (e.g., saline and 5% dextrose). Using the wrong diluent can cause product aggregation, which may compromise patient safety” Luo et al (2020). Abstract: Therapeutic monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) are commonly administered to patients through […]
Cellulitis antibiotic treatment for 6 days versus 12 days
To investigate whether 6 days of antibiotic treatment duration is non-inferior to 12 days in patients hospitalised for cellulitis” Cranendonk et al(2019). Abstract: Objectives: To investigate whether 6 days of antibiotic treatment duration is non-inferior to 12 days in patients hospitalised for cellulitis. Methods: This multicentre, randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, non-inferiority trial enrolled adult patients hospitalised […]
Point-of-care ultrasound use in umbilical line placement
This review analyzes the current evidence on the efficacy and utility of POCUS for identifying umbilical catheter positioning” Meinen et al (2019). Abstract: Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) has become a novel tool for assessing umbilical catheter tip location in the neonate. This review analyzes the current evidence on the efficacy and utility of POCUS for identifying […]
Upper limb vascular mapping with Doppler ultrasound
Doppler ultrasound is recommended by international societies for preoperative vascular mapping in vascular access surgery” Germano et al (2019). Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Doppler ultrasound is recommended by international societies for preoperative vascular mapping in vascular access surgery. Literature is scarce regarding data on Doppler ultrasound-associated errors. OBJECTIVES: Our aim was to evaluate Doppler ultrasound precision for […]
Condition of peripheral IV site during chemotherapy administration
When vesicant agents and vehicles have caused subclinical subcutaneous edema, clinical nurses may detect early slight extravasation by using ultrasonography” Murayama et al (2019). Abstract: Paclitaxel, a taxane, is frequently administered intravenously as an anticancer agent. When a peripheral intravenous catheter is used for paclitaxel infusion, clinical nurses often observe signs such as slight swelling […]