Catheter Malposition Research Articles

ECG-guided PICC insertion using a new silicon catheter with a conductive tip: A retrospective clinical study.

Safety and efficacy of ECG-guided PICC insertion using a new silicon catheter with a conductive tip was evaluated in daily practice. A retrospective study was conducted on 1659 patients who accepted successful tip-conductive PICC placement and clinically followed-up until the catheter removal between January 2018 and April 2019. Baseline of patient characteristics, catheter placement characteristics, date of dressing changes as well as records of catheter-related complications were extracted from a special designed mobile APP. The first-attempt success (success of placing catheter tip to the ideal position by primary indwelling operation) rate of PICC placement was 99.3%. The average duration of PICC placement was 128.7 ± 39.5 days and 1535 patients (92.5%) reached the therapy end-point without any complications and removed the catheter normally. The cumulative rates of total complications were 7.5%, including exit site infection (2.5%), phlebitis (0.9%), DVT (1.0%), catheter malposition (1.1%), catheter breakage (0.1%), and liquid extravasation (1.8%). In multivariable logistic regression analyses, hyperlipidemia, diabetes mellitus, lung cancer, stomach cancer, and lymphoma were significantly associated with increased risk of complications, as the independent risk factors. This retrospective clinical study demonstrates that ECG-guided insertion of a new tip-conductive PICC is associated with a high rate of first-attempt success and low rate of catheter related complications.

Mechanical complications of cerebrospinal fluid shunt. Differences between adult and pediatric populations: myths or reality?

Shunt malfunctions seem more frequent in children (44 to 81%) than in adults (18 to 29%). Because of discrepancies between studies, it is not possible to affirm this disparity. The objective was to verify whether the incidence of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) shunt malfunctions is higher in children than adults. We present a retrospective series of child and adult patients who underwent CSF shunt placement between 2000 and 2013 with a Sophysa SM8® valve. 599 adults and 98 children (sex ratio 1.28) underwent CSF shunt placement. Age at first surgery ranged between 1 day of life and 90 years (mean of 55.8 years, SD 25.8, median 64.8 years). The mean follow-up was 4 years (SD 4.264, 0-16; median 3 years). The cumulative complication rate was 25.5% (178/697). Mechanical complications were disconnection (25.1%), migration (11.8%), intracranial catheter obstruction (8.9%) and malposition (8.4%). The mean delay for the first revision was 1.90 years (0-13.9), (SD 2.73, median 0.5). The probability of shunt failure was 65% at 10 years in the child group and 36% at 10 years in the adult group. Moreover, in the child group, 33% of revisions occurred during the first year after shunt placement versus 17% in the adult group. Thus, the probability of shunt failure was higher in children than in adults (log-rank test, p < 0.001). This is the first retrospective study, comparing children and adults undergoing CSF shunt using the same valve, able to confirm the higher rate of complications in children.

When the course deviates from expected: Misplacement of an epicutaneo-caval catheter in a neonate.

Central venous access, a common and essential component of the care of the critically ill neonate, is associated with complications such as infection, thrombosis, and bleeding. Unintentional arterial cannulation of a venous catheter is a rare but potentially dangerous complication. In the report, we describe the accidental cannulation of an artery with an epicutaneo-caval catheter in an extremely low birth weight infant. We discuss the physical and radiological findings that raise the suspicion of an arterial placement of a catheter, the diagnostic tools to confirm the misplacement, the potential complications, and strategies to prevent it.

CE Article: Use of an Evidence-Based Protocol for Repositioning Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs) in Children and Adults

Highlights Abstract Introduction: Achieving and maintaining optimal peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) tip position can be challenging. At any time during therapies, the final catheter position can be altered due to changes in patient condition and intrathoracic pressure. Aim: To determine if the use of a standardized protocol with power flush option for repositioning the PICC tips will reduce the number of withdrawal interventions or exchange procedures. Methods: Johns Hopkins evidence-based practice (EBP) methodology was used to evaluate literature published in the past 5 years. A standardized protocol was developed and implemented in patients with malpositioned PICCs. The outcome measures were the successful repositioning of the catheter and costs for the procedure. Results: In 4 months, 43 (93%) of 46 (14 adult/32 pediatric) catheters were successfully repositioned. The withdrawal method was used to reposition 34 (73.9%). In 12 patients where a power flush was used, 9 (75%) were successfully repositioned. These changes resulted in decreased delays in treatment and financial savings of $235,210 in personnel time and supplies. Discussion: The standardized protocol provided an alternative to previous practices, extending dwell time, decreasing treatment delay, and unnecessary procedures, showing significant savings for the institution. Conclusions: The Vascular Access Team use of an evidence-based protocol was successful in reducing catheter exchange and withdrawals in malpositioned catheters among adult and pediatric populations. Relevance to Clinical Practice: The implementation of a standardized EBP to address malpositioned catheters resulted in the decreased need for catheter exchange, reduced delays in treatment, and cost savings.

Catheter-Related Ascites in a Preterm Infant

We are reporting a case of neonatal ascites secondary to misplacement of umbilical venous catheter. The case is supported by the literature review.

Minimal guidewire length for central venous catheterization of the right subclavian vein: A CT-based consecutive case series.

Central venous catheter (CVC) misplacement occurs frequently after right subclavian vein catheterization. It can be avoided by using ultrasound to confirm correct guidewire tip position in the lower superior vena cava prior to CVC insertion. However, retraction of the guidewire during the CVC insertion may dislocate the guidewire tip from its desired and confirmed position, thereby resulting in CVC misplacement. The aim of this study was to determine the minimal guidewire length required to maintain correct guidewire tip position in the lower superior vena cava throughout an ultrasound-guided CVC placement in the right subclavian vein. One hundred adult patients with a computed tomography scan of the chest were included. By using multiplanar reconstructions from thin-sliced images, the distance from the most plausible distal puncture site of the right subclavian vein to the optimal guidewire tip position in the lower superior vena cava was measured (vessel length). In addition, measurements of equipment in common commercial over-the-wire percutaneous 15-16 cm CVC kits were performed. The 95th percentile of the vessel length was used to calculate the required minimal guidewire length for each CVC kit. The 95th percentile of the vessel length was 153 mm. When compared to the calculated minimal guidewire length, the guidewires were up to 108 mm too short in eight of eleven CVC kits. After confirmation of a correct guidewire position, retraction of the guidewire tip above the junction of the brachiocephalic veins should be avoided prior to CVC insertion in order to preclude dislocation of the catheter tip towards the right internal jugular vein or the left subclavian vein. This study shows that many commercial over-the-wire percutaneous 15-16 cm CVC kits contain guidewires that are too short for right subclavian vein catheterization, i.e., guidewire retraction is needed prior to CVC insertion.

Confirmatory radiographs have limited utility following ultrasound-guided tunneled femoral central venous catheter placements by interventional radiology.

Ultrasonography may reliably visualize both appropriately positioned and malpositioned femoral-approach catheter tips. Radiography may be used to confirm catheter tip position after placement, but its utility following intraprocedural ultrasound (US) catheter tip verification is unclear. To report the utility of confirmatory radiographs after US-guided tunneled femoral central venous catheter (CVC) placements by interventional radiology in pediatric patients. A total of 484 pediatric patients underwent bedside US-guided tunneled femoral CVC placements in an intensive care setting at a single tertiary children's hospital between Jan. 1, 2016, and April 20, 2020. Technical success, adverse events, post-procedure radiographic practices and inter-modality catheter tip concordance were recorded. All radiographs were performed within 12h of catheter placement. The mean patient age was 175±508days (range: 1day to 19years), including 257 (53.1%) males and 227 (46.9%) females. Of the 484 attempted placements, 472 (97.5%) were primary placements. Four hundred eighty-one (99.4%) placements were technically successful. There were three (0.6%) technical failures due to previously undiagnosed iliofemoral venous occlusive disease. Five (1.0%) adverse events occurred. Radiographs were obtained within 12h of CVC placement in 171 (35.3%) patients, in 120 (70.2%) of whom the indication was recent catheter placement. All 171 (100%) post-placement radiographs showed catheter tip location concordance with the intra-procedural US. In one (0.2%) patient, in whom there was nonvisualization of a guidewire and clinical concern for malposition during US-guided placement, post-procedure radiographs, coupled with multiplanar venography, demonstrated inadvertent paravertebral venous plexus catheter placement. The concordance between intra-procedural US and confirmatory post-procedure radiographs of CVC placements by interventional radiology obviates the need for routine radiographs. Radiographs may be obtained in instances of proceduralist uncertainty or clinical concern.

Chemoport Insertion-Less Is More.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13193-020-01265-6.

Adverse hemodynamic response due to malposition of central venous catheter

Central venous catheter (CVC) is an inescapable requirement of any cardiac surgery for administering drugs including inotropes, cardiac pacing, and invasive monitoring during the perioperative period. Central venous access involves triple-lumen catheter inserted in the internal jugular or femoral vein. The preferred vein for CVCs is the right internal jugular vein because of straighter course to the right heart, better visibility on ultrasonography, lowest risk of the venous stenosis and thrombosis, and also keeping in mind the nature of surgery involved and patient positioning. Malposition of the catheter is a relatively common complication (5.01%) which results in the malfunction of catheters. We report a case of a malposition of a CVC in a 70-year-old male who underwent mitral and aortic valve replacement along with coronary artery grafting for the posterior descending artery on cardiopulmonary bypass.

Ultrasound-guided infraclavicular axillary vein cannulation: - is it a good alternative to internal jugular vein in pediatric cardiac surgery?

INTRODUCTION: This study was designed to compare the rate of successful first attempt and mechanical complications between internal jugular vein (IJV) and axillary vein (AXV) cannulation. METHODS: This prospective, randomized, comparative, controlled study included 220 pediatric patients with age range 1 to 12 years admitted for cardiac surgery. Patients were allocated into 2 equal groups, IJV group and AXV group. The main collected data were the rate of successful first, second and third punctures attempts and the rate of mechanical complications (arterial puncture, pneumothorax, catheter occlusion, catheter malposition, nerve injury). RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference (P=0.053) in the first skin puncture success rate in both groups (AXV group 80% and IJV group 68%). There were no significant differences as regard the second and third skin punctures success rates. The incidence of failed vein puncture was similar (P=1.000) in IJV (3%) and AXV (2%) groups. The vein puncture and catheter insertion times were comparable in both groups. The rates of arterial puncture, pneumothorax and catheter malposition were similar in IJV and AXV groups (12% vs 11%, 4% vs 1%, 3% vs 5% respectively). Catheter occlusion with sternal retraction was significantly higher (p=0.029) in AXV than IJV group (6% vs 0%). No patient developed postoperative phrenic (IJV group) or brachial plexus nerve injury (AXV group). DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Ultrasound-guided cannulation of both infraclavicular AXV and IJV were similarly associated with high success rate and low incidence of mechanical complications.

Perioperative and Postoperative Complications of Ultrasound-Guided Totally Implantable Venous Access Ports via the Brachiocephalic Vein in Patients with Cancer: A Prospective Study.

Objectives: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of ultrasound (US)-guided totally implantable venous access ports (TIVAPs) via the right brachiocephalic vein (BCV) or the left BCV approach.Methods: Patients requiring TIVAP for chemotherapy were included in the study. US-guided TIVAPs via BCV were used for patients from July 2018 to December 2018. General information about the patients (sex, age, and diagnosis), side (right or left), surgical procedures and complications were recorded.Results: A total of 107 TIVAPs in 107 patients (ages 38-73 years) were included, 75 via the right BCV and 32 via the left BCV. All of the patients underwent successful surgery. The BCV was successfully punctured on the first attempt in 99 patients (92.52%). Two attempts were needed in 6 patients (5.61%), and three attempts were necessary in 2 patients (1.87%). The mean operation time was 29 ± 5 min (range: 24 to 38 min). No serious complications occurred during the surgery, except the formation of a local haematoma in 1 case after artery puncture. During the follow-up period of 12 months, the incidence of long-term complications was 3.74% (4/107), including 2 cases of catheter-related infection and 2 cases of fibrin sheath formation. No serious complications such as catheter malposition or rupture were found.Conclusion: US-guided TIVAP via the BCV offers an alternative for adults with good needle guidance and a low rate of perioperative and postoperative complications.

Inside-out central venous catheter: an unusual finding in the usual route of catheterization

Central venous catheterization is a common procedure in operation theatres as well as intensive care units. It is frequently used in cardiac surgery for hemodynamic monitoring as well as administration of fluid and various drugs like ionotropes, vasopressors. Among various complications, infections and mechanical complications are most common. Malposition and kinking of central venous catheter (CVC) are likely to be incidental and underreported. Technical difficulty while threading the wire or inserting the catheter, may lead to CVC malpositioning. Also the CVP tracing and the checking of backflow from catheter ports are equally important. We present a case of such an unsual case of CVC malposition and importance of vigilant monitoring.

From subclavian vein to contralateral internal jugular vein: Central venous catheter malposition is still not uncommon

From subclavian vein to contralateral internal jugular vein: Central venous catheter malposition is still not uncommon

Endovascular Treatment of Major Vessels Percutaneous Nephrostomy Misplacement

Minimally invasive percutaneous treatment of urological diseases is daily increasing. Puncture, access to renal cavities and dilation the percutaneous tract is not a simple maneuver not free of complications. Percutaneous access of the kidney is sometimes mandatory such as drainage of distally obstructed kidneys in several situations like advanced tumors, stone-related situations and so others. Although the number of surgeries and the grade of specialization are rising, several complications like injuries to in-neighborhood organs, secondary sepsis or kidney bleeding may happen. The kidney is an extremely vascularized organ and this can facilitate vascular damage if some considerations are no taken into account previously. Major vessels (aorta artery and vena cava) damage is exceptional and generally require urgent surgery as in most penetrating injuries. A full endovascular treatment and repair in these situations is uncommon but possible. Initial misplacement of percutaneous nephrostomy tube (PNT) is not a frequent situation and when involving vessels, the small number of publications in literature mainly report catheter misplacement into the renal vessels or inferior vena cava, none affecting the aorta. This article presents two cases of misposition of PNT involving major vessels affecting vena cava and aorta artery. Both of them were successfully managed exclusively with endovascular treatment via femoral access.

Urgent-start peritoneal dialysis versus conventional-start peritoneal dialysis for people with chronic kidney disease.

Urgent-start peritoneal dialysis (PD), defined as initiation of PD within two weeks of catheter insertion, has been emerging as an alternative mode of dialysis initiation for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) requiring urgent dialysis without established permanent dialysis access. Recently, several small studies have reported comparable patient outcomes between urgent-start and conventional-start PD. To examine the benefits and harms of urgent-start PD compared with conventional-start PD in adults and children with CKD requiring long-term kidney replacement therapy. We searched the Cochrane Kidney and Transplant Register of Studies up to 25 May 2020 through contact with the Information Specialist using search terms relevant to this review. Studies in the Register are identified through searches of CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, conference proceedings, the International Clinical Trials Register (ICTRP) Search Portal, and ClinicalTrials.gov. For non-randomised controlled trials, MEDLINE (OVID) (1946 to 27 June 2019), EMBASE (OVID) (1980 to 27 June 2019), Clinical Trials Register (ICTRP) Search Portal and ClinicalTrials.gov (up to 27 June 2019) were searched. All randomised controlled trials (RCTs) and non-RCTs comparing the outcomes of urgent-start PD (within 2 weeks of catheter insertion) and conventional-start PD ( ≥ 2 weeks of catheter insertion) treatment in children and adults CKD patients requiring long-term dialysis were included. Studies without a control group were excluded. Data were extracted and quality of studies were examined by two independent authors. The authors contacted investigators for additional information. Summary estimates of effect were examined using random-effects model and results were presented as risk ratios (RR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) as appropriate for the data. The certainty of evidence for individual outcome was assessed using the GRADE approach. A total of 16 studies (2953 participants) were included in this review, which included one multicentre RCT (122 participants) and 15 non-RCTs (2831 participants): 13 cohort studies (2671 participants) and 2 case-control studies (160 participants). The review included unadjusted data for analyses due to paucity of studies reporting adjusted data. In low certainty evidence, urgent-start PD may increase dialysate leak (1 RCT, 122 participants: RR 3.90, 95% CI 1.56 to 9.78) compared with conventional-start PD which translated into an absolute number of 210 more leaks per 1000 (95% CI 40 to 635). In very low certainty evidence, it is uncertain whether urgent-start PD increases catheter blockage (4 cohort studies, 1214 participants: RR 1.33, 95% CI 0.40 to 4.43; 2 case-control studies, 160 participants: RR 1.89, 95% CI 0.58 to 6.13), catheter malposition (6 cohort studies, 1353 participants: RR 1.63, 95% CI 0.80 to 3.32; 1 case-control study, 104 participants: RR 3.00, 95% CI 0.64 to 13.96), and PD dialysate flow problems (3 cohort studies, 937 participants: RR 1.44, 95% CI 0.34 to 6.14) compared to conventional-start PD. In very low certainty evidence, it is uncertain whether urgent-start PD increases exit-site infection (2 cohort studies, 337 participants: RR 1.43, 95% CI 0.24 to 8.61; 1 case-control study, 104 participants RR 1.20, 95% CI 0.41 to 3.50), exit-site bleeding (1 RCT, 122 participants: RR 0.70, 95% CI 0.03 to 16.81; 1 cohort study, 27 participants: RR 1.58, 95% CI 0.07 to 35.32), peritonitis (7 cohort studies, 1497 participants: RR 1.00, 95% CI 0.68 to 1.46; 2 case-control studies, participants: RR 1.09, 95% CI 0.12 to 9.51), catheter readjustment (2 cohort studies, 739 participants: RR 1.27, 95% CI 0.40 to 4.02), or reduces technique survival (1 RCT, 122 participants: RR 1.09, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.20; 8 cohort studies, 1668 participants: RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.76 to 1.07; 2 case-control studies, 160 participants: RR 0.92, 95% CI 0.79 to 1.06). In very low certainty evidence, it is uncertain whether urgent-start PD compared with conventional-start PD increased death (any cause) (1 RCT, 122 participants: RR 1.49, 95% CI 0.87 to 2.53; 7 cohort studies, 1509 participants: RR 1.89, 95% CI 1.07 to 3.3; 1 case-control study, 104 participants: RR 0.90, 95% CI 0.27 to 3.02; very low certainty evidence). None of the included studies reported on tunnel tract infection. In patients with CKD who require dialysis urgently without ready-to-use dialysis access in place, urgent-start PD may increase the risk of dialysate leak and has uncertain effects on catheter blockage, malposition or readjustment, PD dialysate flow problems, infectious complications, exit-site bleeding, technique survival, and patient survival compared with conventional-start PD.

A rare complication following internal jugular vein catheterization to malposition: acute Budd Chiari syndrome

BackgroundTunneled catheters can be used as an alternative vascular access in patients with limited health expectancy,vascular access problems and several comorbidities. We aimed to present a patient with venous stenosis related- reversible acute Budd-Chiari syndrome after catheter malposition.Case presentationAfter changing of tunneled catheter insertion, 36-year old man was admitted to our hospital with sudden onset of nausea, fever, chills and worsening general condition In computed tomography (CT) imaging, a hypodense thrombus was observed in which the distal end of the catheter is at the level of drainage of the hepatic veins in the inferior vena cava and that blocked hepatic vein drainage around the catheter. The catheter was removed and a new catheter was inserted in the same session. Because patient’s general condition was good and without fever, he was discharged with advices on the 9th day of hospitalization.ConclusionAlthough catheter malposition and thrombosis are not a common complication, clinicians should be alert of these complications.

Outcome and Safety of Unplanned-Start Peritoneal Dialysis according to Break-In Periods: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Introduction: The best timing of peritoneal dialysis (PD) initiation after catheter implantation is still controversial. It is necessary to explore whether there exists a waiting period to minimize the risk of complications. Methods: A systematic review and meta-analysis were searched in multiple electronic databases published from inception to February 29, 2020, to identify cohort studies for evaluating the outcome and safety of unplanned-start PD (<14 days after catheter insertion). Risks of bias across studies were evaluated using Newcastle-Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale. Results: Fourteen cohort studies with a total of 2,401 patients were enrolled. We found that early-start PD was associated with higher prevalence of leaks (RR: 2.67, 95% CI, 1.55–4.61) and omental wrap (RR: 3.28, 95% CI, 1.14–9.39). Furthermore, patients of unplanned-start PD in APD group have higher risk of leaks, while those in CAPD group have a higher risk of leaks, omental wrap, and catheter malposition. In shorter break-in period (BI) group, the risk of suffering from catheter obstruction and malposition was higher for patients who started dialysis within 7 days after the surgery than for patients within 7–14 days. No significant differences were found in peritonitis (RR: 1.00; 95% CI, 0.78–1.27) and exit-site infections (RR: 1.12; 95% CI, 0.72–1.75). However, shorter BI was associated with higher risk of mortality and transition to hemodialysis (HD) while worsen early technical survival, with pooled RR of 2.14 (95% CI, 1.52–3.02), 1.42 (95% CI, 1.09–1.85) and 0.95 (95% CI, 0.92–0.99), respectively. Conclusions: Evidence suggests that patients receiving unplanned-start PD may have higher risks of mechanical complications, transition to HD, and even mortality rate while worsening early technical survival, which may not be associated with infectious complications. Rigorous studies are required to be performed.

Misplacement of piccs following power-injected CT contrast media.

Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) may be used to administer contrast injection during CT (computed tomography) scans to improve diagnostic accuracy. This is usually done with the use of a power injector. Research has shown that misplacement of catheters following contrast injection can occur. The aim of this review was to analyse appropriately positioned pre-scan PICCs that malposition following injection of contrast media during a CT scan, evaluate whether tip location or right or left insertion plays a part in the displacement of PICCs after CT, and to ensure those involved are aware of the risks and the safety checks required following such procedures. A quantitative method was used, gathering information from the team's insertion database to review 2045 records of contrast-injectable PICCs between 1 January 2015 and 30 April 2020. Analysis of the data indicated that 1% of appropriately sited PICCs malposition following contrast CT injection and that the catheter is able to self-correct back to its original position at an average interval of 24-72 hours without any other intervention. Further research is needed to explore other factors that could influence the rate of self-correction and complications of prolonged catheter malposition.

High accuracy of external ventricular drainage placement using anatomical landmarks

BackgroundThe conventional approach for external ventricular drainage (EVD) application is the freehand method. Technical devices can improve the accuracy of placement, but they have not yet replaced anatomical landmarks owing to the cost and effort that they entail. There is disagreement as to whether freehand EVD application is safe enough to be accepted as a standard technique. Many authors have investigated the final catheter position in retrospect. They describe variable rates of malpositioning. However, few studies have assessed in how far cranial surface anatomy has really been respected during burr-hole drilling and catheter insertion. The aim of this study was to investigate parameters that might play a part in determining the final intracranial catheter position. MethodsIn all, 100 pre- and postprocedural thin-layer computed-tomography (CT) scans of EVD patients were analysed with the help of JiveX® and OsiriX Lite® software. A series of anatomical and catheter-related parameters, including inter alia intraventricular blood, midline shift, burr-hole location and catheter entrance angle, were correlated with the final catheter position. ResultsA majority of EVDs show an optimal or nearly optimal position. Only the deviation of catheter entrance angle has a significant influence on catheter malpositioning. The burr-hole location can vary within an area of several centimetres around the coronary suture. ConclusionsThe freehand application of EVD is safe as long as the intracranial anatomy is not disfigured to a large extent, the surface measurements are carried out precisely and the puncturing is done perpendicularly to the skull.

Accidental Puncture of a Dialysis Catheter into the Brachiocephalic Trunk.

A 22-year-old male with underlying end-stage renal failure was referred to our center for a malpositioned dialysis catheter. Imaging showed the tip of the catheter to be placed in the brachiocephalic trunk; the patient was, however, asymptomatic. Surgical removal of the malpositioned catheter followed, with no postoperative complications.