Central Vascular Access Devices Research Articles

ICU NURSES AND VAD ADHERENCE TO INS 2021

Abstract Background Continuous updates and evidence–based nursing practices are vital for quality patient care. In 2021, the Infusion Nursing Standard (INS) have updated vascular access device (VAD) guidelines. Evaluating nurses’ VAD knowledge according to these guidelines will improve caring quality, particularly for ICU patients that need a functioning VAD. Aim To evaluate the knowledge of ICU nurses regarding VADs according to the latest INS 2021 guidelines. Material and methods A cross–sectional study was conducted on a sample of nurses providing direct care to ICU patients. A web survey was administered using the “Nurses’ Knowledge and Self–Efficacy on Vascular Access” instrument, which assesses nurses’ knowledge and self–efficacy in relation to short (SPC) and long peripheral canula (LPC), PICC, and PORT, as for INS 2021 guidelines. The survey consisted of 32 items with four closed–answer options, of which only one was correct. Competence and skill levels were calculated by summing the correct responses and standardizing the result to 100. Results Some 35 nurses have enrolled, with an average age of 37 years (SD= 10.80), including 16 men and 19 women, working in UTIC, ICU and Stroke Unit. The highest adherence score (97%) has been registered for the PICC flushing technique before and after each use. The lowest result (14%) has been obtained regarding the performing method of blood sampling from a central VAD. Other positive results have been achieved in the selection of the correct placement sites for all VAD types, with score exceeding 90%. The second part of the questionnaire, which focused of nurses’ self–confidence, showed that nurses felt most confident in SPC section, followed by the PORT section, LPC, and lastly, PICC. Conclusions ICU nurses have a good level of competence and self–efficacy about the VAD management, adhering to the 2021 INS guidelines, although gaps have been identified in the management of SPC and some techniques and despite the high self–confidence expressed directly by nurses. Healthcare organizations should continuously monitor the ICU nurses’ competencies and skills level to implement targeted intervention and ensure the application of evidence in clinical practice, thereby improving the patients’ quality of care.

Vascular Access Team Central Line Dressing Changes to Reduce Infection Risk: A Focused Two-Person Approach in High-Risk Patients.

Due to low compliance by bedside nursing with a central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) prevention bundle and increased CLABSI rates, a mandatory re-education initiative at a 1200-bed university-affiliated hospital was undertaken. Despite this, 2 units, housing high-risk immunocompromised patients, continued to experience increased CLABSI rates. A quality improvement before-after project design in these units replaced bedside nursing staff with 2 nurses from the vascular access team (VAT) to perform central vascular access device (CVAD) dressing changes routinely every 7 days or earlier if needed. The VAT consistently followed the bundled components, including use of chlorhexidine gluconate (CHG)-impregnated dressings on all patients unless an allergy was identified. In this case, a non-CHG transparent semipermeable membrane dressing was used. There were 884 patients with 14 211 CVAD days in the preimplementation period and 1136 patients with 14 225 CVAD days during the postimplementation period. The VAT saw 602 (53.0%) of the 1136 patients, performing at least 1 dressing change in 98% of the patients (n = 589). The combined CLABSI rate for the 2 units decreased from 2.53 per 1000 CVAD days preintervention to 1.62 per 1000 CVAD days postintervention. The estimated incidence rate ratio (IRR) for the intervention was 0.639, a 36.1% reduction in monthly CLABSI rates during the postimplementation period.

PP101 Clinical And Economic Impact Of Flushing Vascular Access Devices With Pre-filled versus Manually-Prepared Saline Flush Syringes In Korea

IntroductionAround 90 percent of hospitalized patients require vascular access devices (VADs) during hospitalization to administer fluids, medications and facilitate blood transfusions. After insertion, it is essential to maintain VADs to achieve optimal dwell time and reduce complications. Flushing of VADs is an integral part of catheter maintenance practices. With increasing cost burden on healthcare systems and nursing shortages, it is crucial to use time-and cost-saving technologies such as pre-filled flush syringes for common procedures namely VAD maintenance. This study aims to compare the clinical and economic impact of using pre-filled saline syringes versus manually-prepared saline syringes for flushing VADs in Korea.MethodsA budget impact analysis was developed using Microsoft Excel to estimate the annual clinical and economic impact of pre-filled saline syringes and a base case scenario of flushing 100,000 VADs was modeled. Clinical impact was estimated for peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) failure, central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs), central line occlusion and nurse time. Economic impact was estimated for costs associated with flushing materials, additional length of stay (LOS) due to CLABSI, VAD replacement, and nurse-time. Global and local data sources were used for inputs. Assumptions include: (i) Distribution of 95 percent peripheral and 5 percent central VADs; (ii) 50 percent peripheral and 50 percent central VADs on intermittent therapy; and (iii) 3 flushes/catheter-day.ResultsOver a one-year timeframe, the model estimated 3,344 fewer PIVC failures, 15 fewer CLABSIs and 157 fewer occlusions with adoption of pre-filled saline syringes. Nurse time was reduced by 3,465 hours. Potential net annual savings from lower device cost, reduced complications, shortened LOS and increased nurse efficiency were estimated to be KRW23.7 million (USD178,957).ConclusionsUsing pre-filled saline syringes instead of manually-prepared syringes for flushing VADs may result in fewer complications, lower VAD utilization, nurse time saving and cost savings in Korea. This can potentially help improve patient outcomes, relieve nurses’ stress to some extent and help healthcare decision-makers to reallocate these cost savings to other life-saving technologies.

Implantation of central vascular access devices for intravenous administration. Complications and consequences for a patient on the example of a clinical case

Implanted central vascular access devices for intravenous administration of drugs are widely used in cancer patients who require long-term access, specific chemotherapy and parenteral nutrition. Installation of central vascular access devices solves the problem of venous access, but, unfortunately, it can lead to complications, including serious and irreversible ones. Here is a clinical case of cancer in a 49-year-old female patient who was implanted with a vascular access device for intravenous therapy. The incorrect and undiagnosed insertion of the vascular access device in the subclavian artery and also neoadjuvant polychemotherapy sessions led to myelomalacia with the subsequent development of myeloradiculopathy, the emergence and development of persistent neurological disorders. After radiological diagnosis and verification of this complication, percutaneous transluminal angioplasty with single stenting and removal of the central vascular access device was performed. The article presents complications with the insertion of central vascular access devices and discusses in detail a clinical case of complication and methods for its solution when this device is incorrectly implanted in the artery.

Predictors of Central Vascular Access Device Bloodstream Infections in Patients With Acute Leukemia and Neutropenia: A Retrospective Case-Control Chart Review.

Central vascular access devices (CVADs) are standard for the treatment of leukemia. The objectives of this study were to examine predictors for central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) and causative microorganisms. A retrospective case/control design was used to examine electronic health records (EHRs) of patients with acute leukemia, a CVAD, and neutropenia. Variables were examined for differences between those who developed bacteremia (cases: n = 10) and those who did not (controls: n = 13). Variables included conditions of health (eg, patient history, laboratory results at the time of nadir, nutritional intake during hospitalization, and CVAD care practices). Fisher exact and Mann-Whitney U tests were used for comparison. Nine organisms were identified, including viridans group streptococci (20%) and Escherichia coli (20%). No statistical differences in variables were found between groups. However, over 50% of the nutritional intake data was missing due to lack of documentation. These findings indicate that further study is needed to examine barriers for electronic documentation. The data collection site found opportunities to improve patient care that included education regarding the daily care of CVADs, collaboration with nutritional services to ensure accurate assessments, and coordination with clinical information systems to improve clinical documentation compliance.

Femorally inserted central catheters with exit site at mid-thigh: A low risk alternative for central venous catheterization.

Femorally inserted central catheters are increasingly used, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, also thanks to widespread of tunneling techniques that allow the exit site to be moved away from the groin. In this retrospective observational study, femorally inserted catheters, with exit site at mid-thigh and the tip in Inferior vena cava or in Inferior vena cava at the junction with right atrium, have been observed and complications have been analyzed. All catheters were inserted by trained Nurses of a tertiary hospital Vascular Access Team. In 142 catheters (126 inserted via common femoral vein and 16 inserted via superficial femoral vein) and 3060 catheter days, we observed an infection rate of 1.3 events/1000 catheter days (all of them in oncologic patients and up to 30 days of catheterization), 2 cases of thrombotic events (1.41%) and 17 cases of accidental removal (11.97%). Other rare complications, as primary malposition, tip migration, arterial pseudoaneurysm, have been recorded. The average length of catheters inserted, from the exit site to the tip, was 47.6 ± 2.4 cm. The attention to the correct position of the tip, the exit site at mid-thigh and the new techniques during insertion make these femoral catheters as safe as other central vascular access devices. For this kind of central access device, a catheter at least 50 cm long is needed.

Systematic Review of the Safety and Efficacy of Central Vascular Access Device Securement

Highlights Abstract Background: Central vascular access devices (CVADs) are essential for patient care in modern medicine. Providing access to the central circulation, CVADs allow fluids and medications to be infused rapidly and hemodiluted. The placement of a CVAD requires knowledge of vascular access devices, optimal site selection, infection prevention protocols, and expert techniques to limit potential adverse outcomes. Research has been focused on how to safely and effectively place CVADs, but little effort has been made to investigate the securement of the catheter once it is in place. Methods: This systematic review was performed following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses and registered through PROSPERO. Two systematic searches of the literature were conducted, the first in January 2021 and the second in January 2022, by using multiple medical databases. Of the 1127 titles that met initial inclusion criteria 117 were selected for evaluation and then 39 for study. Results: Search results yielded various outcomes, making a direct comparison between studies challenging. However, it was clear that safety and efficacy were not applied to suture-based securement and have not been well researched despite its general use. Conclusions: Randomized controlled studies are needed to measure the relative safety and efficacy of different securement modalities, their impact on CVAD complications, and ultimately patient outcomes.

Changing the Buffer in Buffered Lidocaine.

Hospitalized patients require venous access for procedures, treatments, or therapies. The use of lidocaine for pain relief during central vascular access device (CVAD) insertion is a standard of practice. Lidocaine buffered with sodium bicarbonate has been shown to provide significantly more pain relief in the sensation of pain upon injection. Shortages of lidocaine with bicarbonate provided an opportunity to explore other options to provide pain relief during CVAD insertion. The PICO question for this project was: In adult patients requiring CVAD insertion, how does lidocaine buffered with bicarbonate compare with lidocaine buffered with saline in minimizing pain with lidocaine injection? This study assessed how lidocaine buffered with bicarbonate compares with lidocaine buffered with saline in minimizing pain with lidocaine injection. Sixty patients received the buffered lidocaine before having a peripherally inserted central catheter inserted. Thirty patients received lidocaine buffered with bicarbonate and 30 patients received lidocaine buffered with saline. Pain and vasoconstriction were the 2 outcomes monitored during the project. Although the trial was only 2 wk due to the urgency of the rollout, the pilot was able to offer clinicians the opportunity to compare the 2 products. The saline-buffered lidocaine provided comparable pain relief compared with the lidocaine buffered with bicarbonate. The clinicians also measured the amount of vasoconstriction caused by the 2 products with similar outcomes.

Development and Characterization of an Ex Vivo Testing Platform for Evaluating Automated Central Vascular Access Device Performance.

Access to the central vasculature is critical for hemodynamic monitoring and for delivery of life-saving therapeutics during emergency medicine and battlefield trauma situations but requires skill often unavailable in austere environments. Automated central vascular access devices (ACVADs) using ultrasound and robotics are being developed. Here, we present an ex vivo lower-body porcine model as a testing platform for evaluation of vascular devices and compare its features to commercially available platforms. While the commercially available trainers were simpler to set-up and use, the scope of their utility was limited as they were unable to provide realistic anatomic, physiologic, and sonographic properties that were provided by the ex vivo model. However, the ex vivo model was more cumbersome to set-up and use. Overall, both have a place in the development and evaluation pipeline for ACVADs before testing on live animals, thus accelerating product development and translation.

Development of a Modular Tissue Phantom for Evaluating Vascular Access Devices

Central vascular access (CVA) may be critical for trauma care and stabilizing the casualty. However, it requires skilled personnel, often unavailable during remote medical situations and combat casualty care scenarios. Automated CVA medical devices have the potential to make life-saving therapeutics available in these resource-limited scenarios, but they must be properly designed. Unfortunately, currently available tissue phantoms are inadequate for this use, resulting in delayed product development. Here, we present a tissue phantom that is modular in design, allowing for adjustable flow rate, circulating fluid pressure, vessel diameter, and vessel positions. The phantom consists of a gelatin cast using a 3D-printed mold with inserts representing vessels and bone locations. These removable inserts allow for tubing insertion which can mimic normal and hypovolemic flow, as well as pressure and vessel diameters. Trauma to the vessel wall is assessed using quantification of leak rates from the tubing after removal from the model. Lastly, the phantom can be adjusted to swine or human anatomy, including modeling the entire neurovascular bundle. Overall, this model can better recreate severe hypovolemic trauma cases and subject variability than commercial CVA trainers and may potentially accelerate automated CVA device development.

Midline Catheters: Could They Replace a Central Vascular Access Device?

In the past 30 years, midline catheter use has grown rapidly. For several reasons, many providers and facilities are attempting to reduce the number of central venous catheters and subsequent central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) by using midline catheters. Vessel preservation requires attention to all vascular access device (VAD)-associated complications and not only central line bloodstream infection. There is still much confusion about the appropriate tip location and the characteristics of fluids and medications that can safely be infused through a midline catheter residing in a peripheral vein. The Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice (the Standards) focuses on assessment of characteristics of infusion therapies that must be considered for VAD selection as an evidence-based list of fluids and medications for infusion through peripheral veins has yet to be established. This review of midline catheter studies evaluates the evidence regarding the substitution of a midline catheter for a central venous catheter. Many issues need to be addressed, such as studies that include an outcome list that mixes defined clinical complications (eg, thrombosis) with signs and symptoms of complications (eg, leaking). Another issue is basing a major change of clinical practice on retrospective chart reviews. Although a midline catheter may be appropriate for some patients, additional studies of a higher level of evidence are needed before this major practice change should occur.

Transitioning from heparin to saline locks for central venous access devices in oncology: An evidence-based practice approach.

Central vascular access devices (CVADs) are often essential to the care of patients undergoing long-term cancer treatment. CVAD maintenance is an essential oncology nurse competency. Evidence-based practice (EBP) in flushing and locking help to prevent intraluminal occlusion, a common complication. Heparinized saline (HS) has been the standard locking solution for CVADs. However, research indicates no superiority of HS over normal saline (NS). The objectives of this EBP project were 1) to evaluate whether a significant difference in intraluminal occlusion was associated with the change from HS to NS use for locking CVADs in ambulatory oncology care, and 2) to evaluate the effects of peer nurse mentoring on nurses' and patients' perspectives about the practice change. Analysis of data revealed decreases in alteplase usage after transitioning to NS locking. Patient and nurse surveys indicated that peer nurse mentoring increased nurse and patient confidence and competence in making the practice transition.

Time to abandon chest X-rays in favor of intracavitary ECG or echocardiography for central venous access tip location: A case of a malpositioned CICC into the internal mammary vein.

Central vascular access devices (CVADs) correct tip location is of paramount importance to avoid malposition related complications. Despite recent guidelines recommend avoiding postprocedure radiograph in favor of alternative tip location technology, chest X-rays are still widely used in clinical practice as a CVADs tip location method. We present a clinical case of a central inserted central catheter (CICC) malposition in the right internal mammary vein, erroneously interpreted by chest X-rays as correctly placed, in a critically ill patient.

Prevalence and Factors Associated With Indwelling Non-Utilized (Idle) Central Vascular Access Devices Across All Age Groups

A retrospective study was conducted in a large, urban, pediatric/adult hospital to investigate the extent of idle central vascular access devices (CVADs) across all age groups and to identify factors that contribute to an in situ nonutilized CVAD. Patients who were hospitalized for >4 days between January 2015 and December 2019 were included. Implanted ports, tunneled catheters, and umbilical lines were excluded. Idle time was defined as a calendar day in which no intravenous medication was administered. A total of 6054 CVADs (59% nontunneled CVADs, 41% peripherally inserted central catheters [PICCs]; 73% adults, 27% children) were analyzed. Among these, 1263 (21%) had at least 1 idle day, with a median idle time and proportion of 3 days and 25%, respectively. Up to 51% and 64% of lines placed in infants/neonatal intensive care unit had idle time compared with 13% and 12% in adults/medical intensive care units (ICUs). The median idle time for PICCs was longer than that of nontunneled CVADs. CVADs with dwell duration greater than the median (duration for their respective departments) had 5.0 (95% CI, 4.2–5.9) odds of being idle. CVADs in the neonatal ICU had 14.2 (95% CI, 10.8–18.6) odds of having idle time compared with those in the medical ICU. This study found that 1 of every 5 CVADs had at least 1 day of idle time, with one fourth of their total dwell duration idle. CVADs with longer dwell duration, those placed in children, and PICCs were more likely to be idle.

Implementing a Midline Catheter Program in an Acute Care Hospital

Implementing a Midline Catheter Program in an Acute Care Hospital

In the preparation and administration of intravenous medicines, what are the best practice standards that healthcare professionals need to follow to ensure patient safety? Protocol for a systematic review.

Introduction: Intravenous therapy and medicines (IVTM) are the most common invasive interventions in use in healthcare. Prescribed IVTM play an essential role in the treatment of illness, management of chronic conditions and in maintaining health and wellbeing. The intravenous (IV) route is the administration of concentrated medications (diluted or undiluted) directly into peripherally or centrally inserted vascular access devices. Medication safety is a key priority and best practice standards are required to guide the safe preparation and administration of IVTM. Methods: We will conduct a systematic review of the literature pertaining to the preparation and administration of intravenous therapy and medicines. Our search will include studies concerned with the preparation and/or administration of IVTM via peripheral or central vascular access devices. We will be guided by the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) in this review. Literature will include all trial designs, national/international guidelines, and expert consensus opinion made available in English from 2009 to present day. Conclusions: We will synthesise the evidence concerning safe and effective preparation and administration of intravenous therapy and medicines to inform the development of a national guideline for healthcare professionals in Ireland. The availability of up-to-date, contemporaneous evidence-based practice standards will ensure quality and safety for service-users. Registration: This study has been submitted to PROSPERO and we are awaiting confirmation of registration.

Central Line Care and Management: Adopting Evidence-Based Nursing Interventions

Central line–associated bloodstream infections occur not only in the intensive care unit but also the non–intensive care units of the hospital. The purpose of this article is to review current evidence to guide perianesthesia nurses in the care of a patient with a central vascular access device (CVAD). The CVAD bundle focuses on five key elements: hand hygiene, maximal sterile barrier, chlorhexidine antiseptic, catheter site selection, and daily evaluation of the need for the device. Once the CVAD is placed, evidence-based care and maintenance are the responsibility of the nurse. Ensuring proper maintenance and care of a CVAD falls within nursing practice and interventions can significantly reduce the patient's risk of central line–associated bloodstream infection. The single most crucial step a nurse can take to help prevent central line–associated bloodstream infections is performing proper hand hygiene. Other interventions focus on dressing management, bathing practices, access of intravenous infusion sets, blood draws, and management of port line occlusions. Familiarity and adoption of best practice interventions in the maintenance and care of patients with CVADs will help the perianesthesia nurse protect patients and prevent harm.

Central Vascular Access Device Complications in Pediatric Home Care Patients Managed by Family Caregivers or Nurses

There is a paucity of data regarding complications and outcomes of central vascular access devices (CVADs) in pediatric home care patients. Unlike hospital and clinic settings, home care patients commonly receive catheter care and accesses by family caregivers rather than nurses. This 2-year prospective study compared complications and outcomes of 222 CVADs managed by nurses or family caregivers. CVADs were followed for skin complications at insertion site, catheter complications, central line–associated bloodstream infection occurrences, and the outcome of dysfunctional catheters treated with alteplase. Results showed no differences in any CVAD complications, whether access and care were primarily performed by trained family caregivers or nurses.

Placing a Central Vascular Access Device in a Patient With Substance Use Disorder: The Ethical Position of the Infusion Nurse.

When infusion nurses place central vascular access devices in patients with substance use disorder (SUD), they are both enabling treatment and making the patient more vulnerable to his or her addictive illness. Using the lens of rescue enables an exploration of the ethical position of the infusion nurse regarding these patients, even though rescue, per se, is inadequate to the complexity of the situation. Suggestions are offered to both the infusion nurse and the health care team for improving their ethical stance, as well as their care of patients with SUD.

In the preparation and administration of intravenous medicines, what are the best practice standards that healthcare professionals need to follow to ensure patient safety? Protocol for a systematic review.

Introduction: Intravenous therapy and medicines (IVTM) are the most common invasive interventions in use in healthcare. Prescribed IVTM play an essential role in the treatment of illness, management of chronic conditions and in maintaining health and wellbeing. The intravenous (IV) route is the administration of concentrated medications (diluted or undiluted) directly into peripherally or centrally inserted vascular access devices. Medication safety is a key priority and best practice standards are required to guide the safe preparation and administration of IVTM. Methods: We will conduct a systematic review of the literature pertaining to the preparation and administration of intravenous therapy and medicines. Our search will include studies concerned with the preparation and/or administration of IVTM via peripheral or central vascular access devices. We will be guided by the preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analysis (PRISMA) in this review. Literature will include all trial designs, national/international guidelines, and expert consensus opinion made available in English from 2009 to present day. Conclusions: We will synthesise the evidence concerning safe and effective preparation and administration of intravenous therapy and medicines to inform the development of a national guideline for healthcare professionals in Ireland. The availability of up-to-date, contemporaneous evidence-based practice standards will ensure quality and safety for service-users. Registration: This study has been submitted to PROSPERO and we are awaiting confirmation of registration.