Causes of catheter removal and complications depending on the insertion side of peripherally inserted central venous catheter in patients with hematologic disorders

Abstract

Central venous catheter (CVC) insertion is an essential medical procedure in patients with hematologic disorders. Recently, the use of peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) for CVC insertion has been increasing. However, the suitable arm for PICC insertion has not been fully discussed. This study retrospectively examined catheter-related complications on the insertion side of PICC in patients with hematologic disorders. Total 809 PICCs were inserted in 316 patients with hematologic disorders. The insertion side was the right upper arm for 515 PICCs and the left upper arm for 294 PICCs. In a direct comparison between the insertion side groups, there was no obvious difference in the basic demographic characteristics of the patients except the age at the time of insertion. Moreover, there was no significant difference in the reasons for PICC removal, and the incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infection was similar and low in both the study groups. During the selection of the insertion side for PICC, it may be possible to consider the side that seems more suitable for insertion by confirming the vessels in both upper arms with ultrasonography, and, if the conditions are equivalent, to consider the side where the patient wishes to insert the PICC.