Central Venous Catheter Insertion Research Articles

Simulation-based Mastery Learning Improves Critical Care Skills of Advanced Practice Providers.

Advanced practice providers (APPs) are essential members of intensive care unit (ICU) interprofessional teams and are expected to be competent in performing procedures. There are no published criteria for establishing when APPs can independently perform procedures. Simulation-based mastery learning (SBML) is an effective strategy for improving critical care skills but has not been applied to practicing ICU APPs. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if an SBML curriculum could improve the critical care skills and procedural self-confidence of ICU APPs. We performed a pretest-posttest study of central venous catheter (CVC) insertion, thoracentesis, and mechanical ventilation (MV) management skills among ICU APPs who participated in an SBML course at an academic hospital. For each skill, APPs underwent baseline skills assessments (pretests) on a simulator using previously published checklists, followed by didactic sessions and deliberate practice with individualized feedback. Within 2 weeks, participants were required to meet or exceed previously established minimum passing standards (MPS) on simulated skills assessments (posttests) using the same checklists. Further deliberate practice was provided for those unable to meet the MPS until they retested and met this standard. We compared pretest to posttest skills checklist scores and procedural confidence. All 12 eligible ICU APPs participated in internal jugular CVC, subclavian CVC, and MV training. Five APPs participated in thoracentesis training. At baseline, no APPs met the MPS on all skills. At training completion, all APPs achieved the mastery standard. Internal jugular CVC pretest performance improved from a mean of 67.2% (standard deviation [SD], 28.8%) items correct to 97.1% (SD, 3.8%) at posttest (P = 0.005). Subclavian CVC pretest performance improved from 29.2% (SD, 32.7%) items correct to 93.1% (SD 3.9%) at posttest (P < 0.001). Thoracentesis pretest skill improved from 63.9% (SD, 30.6%) items correct to 99.2% (SD, 1.7%) at posttest (P = 0.054). Pretest MV skills improved from 54.8% (SD, 19.7%) items correct to 92.3% (SD, 5.0%) at posttest (P < 0.001). APP procedural confidence improved for each skill from pre to posttest. SBML is effective for training APPs to perform ICU skills. Relying on traditional educational methods does not reliably ensure that APPs are adequately prepared to perform skills such as CVC insertion, thoracentesis, and MV management.

Development and validation of a multivariable model predicting the required catheter dwell time among mechanically ventilated critically ill patients in three randomized trials

BackgroundThe anatomic site for central venous catheter insertion influences the risk of central venous catheter-related intravascular complications. We developed and validated a predictive score of required catheter dwell time to identify critically ill patients at higher risk of intravascular complications.MethodsWe retrospectively conducted a cohort study from three multicenter randomized controlled trials enrolling consecutive patients requiring central venous catheterization. The primary outcome was the required catheter dwell time, defined as the period between the first catheter insertion and removal of the last catheter for absence of utility. Predictors were identified in the training cohort (3SITES trial; 2336 patients) through multivariable analyses based on the subdistribution hazard function accounting for death as a competing event. Internal validation was performed in the training cohort by 500 bootstraps to derive the CVC-IN score from robust risk factors. External validation of the CVC-IN score were performed in the testing cohort (CLEAN, and DRESSING2; 2371 patients).ResultsThe analysis was restricted to patients requiring mechanical ventilation to comply with model assumptions. Immunosuppression (2 points), high creatinine > 100 micromol/L (2 points), use of vasopressor (1 point), obesity (1 point) and older age (40–59, 1 point; ≥ 60, 2 points) were independently associated with the required catheter dwell time. At day 28, area under the ROC curve for the CVC-IN score was 0.69, 95% confidence interval (CI) [0.66–0.72] in the training cohort and 0.64, 95% CI [0.61–0.66] in the testing cohort. Patients with a CVC-IN score ≥ 4 in the overall cohort had a median required catheter dwell time of 24 days (versus 11 days for CVC-IN score < 4 points). The positive predictive value of a CVC-IN score ≥ 4 was 76.9% for > 7 days required catheter dwell time in the testing cohort.ConclusionThe CVC-IN score, which can be used for the first catheter, had a modest ability to discriminate required catheter dwell time. Nevertheless, preference of the subclavian site may contribute to limit the risk of intravascular complications, in particular among ventilated patients with high CVC-IN score.Trials Registration NCT01479153, NCT01629550, NCT01189682

Rare case of calcified fibrin sheath causing central venous occlusion, mimicking a retained catheter fragment

BackgroundLong-term placements of central venous catheters (CVCs) are known to cause various complications, among which include fibrin sheath formation, causing catheter dysfunction, infection and thrombosis. Post-catheter removal, these sheaths may sometimes be retained in the vein; however, are rarely calcified. When retained sheaths are calcified, they may cause diagnostic confusion on imaging, as they may mimic a retained catheter fragment.Case presentationWe report a case of a patient with end-stage renal disease and a history of multiple prior CVC insertions presenting with symptoms of central venous occlusion post-revascularization of his stenosed arteriovenous fistula. CT venography revealed a linear tubular hyperdensity within the right brachiocephalic vein and superior vena cava, which at first glance looked like a retained catheter fragment. However, further scrutiny revealed a retained calcified intravascular fibrin sheath as the cause of occlusion.ConclusionsAwareness of the radiological discriminating features of calcified fibrin sheaths are important to prevent misdiagnosis and unnecessary interventions as these sheaths may mimic retained catheter fragments. Calcified fibrin sheaths should also be considered as a differential diagnosis of radio-opaque intravascular structures or venous calcifications post-CVC removal.

Percutaneous Suture - Closure Device Used for Iatrogenic Carotid Artery Injury Management: Case Report and Review of Literature.

Accidental carotid artery injury is an uncommon but serious central venous catheter insertion complication. Hemostasis might not be readily achieved by manual compression; therefore, surgery or endovascular treatment remains the mainstay for accidental carotid artery injury. However, not all patients are suitable candidates for surgery.Vascular closure devices are widely used in femoral arteries to achieve hemostasis and early ambulation. The use of vascular closure devices is occasionally reported in other vascular beds. Here we present a case of an iatrogenic left common carotid artery injury treated by vascular closure device, which is of help in the future management of this complication.

Bleeding Complications in Uremic Patients After Ultrasound-Guided Central Venous Catheter Placement.

Bleeding associated with elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is a known complication. Patients with uremia require a central venous catheter insertion by dialysis. The relation between BUN and bleeding complications during central venous catheter insertion is not yet clear. We described the frequency of complications associated with central venous catheter implantation in uremic patients and evaluated the statistical relationship between bleeding complications and catheter type, number of punctures, and catheter insertion site. Also, we determined if any value of BUN is associated with bleeding complications. We included patients with a serum value of BUN >70 mg/dl that required insertion of a central venous catheter. The quantitative variables were expressed through the measure of central tendency. A bivariate analysis and a ROC curve were performed. A total of 273 catheters were included in this study. Bleeding complications were detected in 69 cases (25.3%), and local bleeding was the most frequent complication in 51/69 cases. Statistically significant association was not established. We did not find a specific cut-off value directly related to BUN levels and the rate of complications. Bleeding complications associated with the insertion of central venous catheter and the suspected disorder of hemostasis given by BUN levels >70 mg/dl are common. It was not possible to determine a BUN cut-off value to predict complications. The association analysis was not conclusive. High BUN levels should not be considered a high-risk condition for central venous cannulation under ultrasound guidance performed by trained personnel.

Management of arterial trauma during central venous catheter insertion using a percutaneous suture-mediated closure device (Perclose ProGlide): a report of two cases and literature review

We evaluated the safest approach to treat catheter-related cervicothoracic arterial injuries by reviewing two inadvertent arterial injury cases during central venous catheter insertion and their related complications at an intensive care unit. In the first case, C-arm angiography confirmed accidental catheter placement in the right subclavian artery (SCA). In the second case, accidental catheter placement in the right common carotid artery was confirmed via computed tomography angiography of the neck and chest. The catheter was connected to a high-pressure arterial bag in both cases. The Perclose ProGlide Suture-Mediated Closure System (Abbott Laboratories, IL, USA) was used and successfully operated the two cases of iatrogenic SCA and carotid artery injuries. A follow-up bedside ultrasound at 2 and 6 hours postoperatively revealed normal Doppler waveforms in the inadvertent arterial injury and distal arteries without hematoma at the puncture site in both cases. In conclusion, for inadvertent artery puncture, which occurs in &lt;12% of jugular and subclavian venous procedures, the endovascular approach using a covered stent appears to be safe for treating the accidental catheter placement in the carotid artery, although some cases of post-procedure stroke have been reported. In this regard, the percutaneous arterial suture device (Perclose ProGlide) offers an almost 100% success rate and lowers morbidity and mortality rates compared with open surgical and endovascular approaches for treating iatrogenic SCA and carotid artery injuries. These two cases highlight the effectiveness of minimally invasive percutaneous arterial closure devices in treating this infrequent but potentially lethal injury.

Evaluation of the incidence of central venous catheter-associated infections in patients admitted in the intensive care unit of a tertiary hospital in Nigeria

Background: Presence of a central venous catheter (CVC) though useful may lead to CVC-associated bloodstream infections (CVCBSIs), resulting in increased morbidity and mortality. Objectives: The objectives of the study were to determine the incidence of CVCBSIs, the predominant causative microorganisms, the antibiotic sensitivity pattern of the microorganisms, and the associated risk factors. Materials and Methods: This prospective observational study evaluated the incidence of CVCBSIs in patients who had the catheter inserted on admission into the intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary hospital in South-East, Nigeria. Sixty-eight patients were recruited for the study. Blood samples were collected aseptically from a peripheral vein on admission, 72 h after the insertion of CVC, and at removal of CVC for blood culture. The distal 5 cm of the CVC was also collected at removal for microscopy, culture, and sensitivity testing. Results: Six out of all the patients recruited developed CVCBSIs, giving an incidence rate of 9.2%, whereas 48% (n = 31) developed catheter bacterial colonization. Over one-fifth (22.7%) of the patients with catheter duration beyond 5 days had CVCBSIs. Patients whose CVC duration was beyond 5 days had a higher risk of CVCBSIs (P = 0.015) than others. The commonest microorganism isolated was Staphylococcus aureus, whereas the most susceptible antibiotic was aminoglycoside (gentamycin). Conclusion: The incidences of CVCBSIs and CVC colonization were 9.2% and 48%, respectively. The duration of catheterization was found to be a major risk factor for CVCBSIs. The most predominant organism isolated was S. aureus. The most sensitive antibiotic agent was the aminoglycoside (gentamycin). It is therefore recommended that catheter care bundle which includes hand hygiene, use of chlorhexidine for skin preparation during insertion, use of barrier precautions during insertion, and the removal of unnecessary central lines should be strictly adhered to. Gentamycin should be used as empirical antibiotics in the ICUs.

Hemothorax after central venous catheter insertion in patient with triple antithrombotic therapy: A case report

Hemothorax after central venous catheter insertion in patient with triple antithrombotic therapy: A case report

Malpositioning of Long-Staying Central Venous Catheters in the Pediatric Population: Incidence and Potential Complications. A Single-Center Retrospective Study and a Narrative Review of the Literature.

Central Venous Catheters insertion is a very common procedure performed at the operation room and the Intensive Care Unit. In the paediatric population they are frequently used to administer fluids, blood products, resuscitation drugs, parenteral nutrition and chemotherapy. One of the reported complications, though a less commonly described one, is the inappropriate position of the tip of the CVC in a vessel other than the superior vena cava. In this study, we initially present the anatomy of the superior vena cava system and that of the internal jugular vein, the optimal catheter tip position as well as the possible suboptimal catheter tip locations. Subsequently, paediatric chest X-rays of our hospital with catheter tip malpositioning are illustrated, after internal jugular vein catheterization. Following, we discuss possible mechanisms of central venous catheters malpositioning, signs and symptoms which could help us identify a wrong placement and also how to prevent as well as how to fix one. Finally, an interrelation between malpositioning, malfunction and the existence of infection or thrombosis is investigated. Our study concluded that the right internal jugular vein should be the first choice in all cases of vessel implantation, mainly based on our statistical analysis results, which suggested that this vessel was associated with the least possibility of erroneous catheter placement. Another important clue of our study is based on the fact that the inappropriate positioning of a central venous catheter over the long term could be a significant predisposing factor of malfunction, along with infection and thrombosis.

Retracted: Time to First Dressing Change after Peripherally Inserted Central Venous Catheter (PICC) Insertion in Breast Cancer Patients.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.1155/2022/9380796.].

Incidence of central line-associated bloodstream infection in the intensive care unit: A prospective observational study

Aims: The aim of this study was to determine the incidence of central line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSIs) in the medical and surgical intensive care units (ICUs) of a tertiary care hospital. Materials and Methods: One hundred and twenty patients admitted to medical and surgical ICU with an indwelling, nontunneled central venous catheter (CVC) inserted at admission in the department of emergency medicine or at medical and surgical ICU for more than 48 h were monitored. The patients were followed up daily for the development of new-onset sepsis after 48 h of insertion of CVC, by analyzing the culture of two sets of blood samples, over a span of 24 h. The data were evaluated statistically using Microsoft Excel version 11 and SPSS version 17 (IBM, USA). Results: Among 120 patients hospitalized for an aggregate of 972 days, 7 patients had acquired CLABSI with an incidence rate of 7.2/1000 central line days. The organisms isolated were Staphylococcus aureus, Acinetobacter spp., Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Conclusion: The incidence rate of CLABSI in this study was in line with other studies on the CLABSI rate in India. The study found a significant association of CLABSI with duration of CVC catheterization, underlying comorbid conditions and diseases of patients, and indication of CVC insertion. However, there was no significant association of CLABSI with age of patients, their gender, and site of insertion.

Clinical epidemiology and a novel predicting nomogram of central line associated bloodstream infection in burn patients.

Burn patients are at high risk of central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI). However, the diagnosis of such infections is complex, resource-intensive, and often delayed. This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of CLABSI and develop a prediction model for the infection in burn patients. The study analysed the infection profiles, clinical epidemiology, and central venous catheter (CVC) management of patients in a large burn centre in China from January 2018 to December 2021. In total, 222 burn patients with a cumulative 630 CVCs and 5,431 line-days were included. The CLABSI rate was 23.02 CVCs per 1000 line-days. The three most common bacterial species were Acinetobacter baumannii, Staphylococcus aureus, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa; 76.09% of isolates were multidrug resistant. Compared with a non-CLABSI cohort, CLABSI patients were significantly older, with more severe burns, more CVC insertion times, and longer total line-days, as well as higher mortality. Regression analysis found longer line-days, more catheterisation times, and higher burn wounds index to be independent risk factors for CLABSI. A novel nomogram based on three risk factors was constructed with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) value of 0.84 (95% CI: 0.782-0.898) with a mean absolute error of calibration curve of 0.023. The nomogram showed excellent predictive ability and clinical applicability, and provided a simple, practical, and quantitative strategy to predict CLABSI in burn patients.

Determination of Central Venous Catheter Complications: Internal Jugular Vein versus Femoral Vein Catheterization

Aim: This research aimed to compare the mechanical, thrombotic, and infectious complication ratio of the internal jugular vein with those of femoral vein catheterization. Materials and Methods: It is a single-center retrospective study. One hundred seventy-nine pediatric patients undergoing central venous catheter insertion in the intensive care unit were selected from February 2020 to August 2021. The patients were divided into 2 groups based on catheter type; internal jugular versus femoral venous catheterization. Procedure complications rates were assessed. However, jugular catheterization was performed under ultrasound guidance, and femoral venous catheterization was inserted via an original landmark-based technique. Thromboprophylaxis was performed on all patients without coagulopathy. Results: The overall rate of procedural complications was 20%. The subcutaneous hematoma was the most common mechanical complication and higher in femoral attempts (p= 0.001), followed by arterial injury (p= 0.002). Thrombotic complications were similar between the two groups (p= 0.053). Infections complications were higher in femoral venous catheterization (p= 0.016). Conclusion: Femoral venous catheterization is associated with a greater risk of mechanical and infectious complications than internal jugular venous catheterization. Usage of ultrasound during catheterization procedures decreases mechanical complications.

Comparison of Complications in Patients with Central Venous Catheter Placement Via Internal Jugular, Subclavian and Femoral Route at Intensive Care Unit

Central venous lines are passed in almost all patients admitted in intensive care unit and a need still exist to look for best route for this purpose. Objective: To compare the complications in patients with central venous catheter passed via internal jugular, subclavian and femoral route at intensive care unit. Methods: A comparative cross-sectional study was conducted on 380 patients admitted in intensive care unit of Bahria International Hospital RWP from January 2022 to June 2022. Central venous catheters were passed by consultant critical care specialist on call at the time of reception of patient in unit. All the patients were observed for one week for presence of any local or systemic complications. Results: Out of 380 patients, 240 (63.2%) were male while 140 (36.8%) were female. Central venous catheter was passed via internal jugular vein in 220 (57.8%) patients, via subclavian route in 60 (15.8%) patients and via femoral route in 100 (26.3%) patients. Failed attempts were seen statistically significantly more in internal jugular route (p-value-0.041) while local cellulitis was seen more in femoral route (p-value-0.012). Conclusions: Internal Jugular vein was the route most commonly used for insertion of central venous catheter in patients admitted in our intensive care unit. Complications were seen more not very common in our setting. Failed attempts were more seen in internal jugular route while local cellulitis was seen more in femoral route.

Routine postoperative admission to the neurocritical intensive care unit after microvascular decompression: necessary or can it be abandoned?

Postoperative neurocritical intensive care unit (NICU) admission of patients who underwent craniotomy for close observation is common practice. In this study, we performed a comparative analysis to determine if there is a real need for NICU admission after microvascular decompression (MVD) for cranial nerve disorders or whether it may be abandoned. The present study evaluates a consecutive series of 236 MVD surgeries performed for treatment of trigeminal neuralgia (213), hemifacial spasm (17), vagoglossopharyngeal neuralgia (2), paroxysmal vertigo (2), and pulsatile tinnitus (2). All patients were operated by the senior surgeon according to a standard protocol over a period of 12years. Patients were admitted routinely to NICU during the first phase of the study (phase I), while in the second phase (phase II), only patients with specific indications would go to NICU. While 105 patients (44%) were admitted to NICU postoperatively (phase I), 131 patients (56%) returned to the ward after a short stay in a postanaesthesia care unit (PACU) (phase II). Specific indications for NICU admission in phase I were pneumothorax secondary to central venous catheter insertion (4 patients), AV block during surgery, low blood oxygen levels after extubation, and postoperative dysphagia and dysphonia (1 patient, respectively). There were no significant differences in the distribution of ASA scores or the presence of cardiac and pulmonary comorbidities like congestive heart failure, arterial hypertension, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease between groups. There were no secondary referrals from PACU to NICU. Our study shows that routine admission of patients after eventless MVD to NICU does not provide additional value. NICU admission can be restricted to patients with specific indications. When MVD surgery is performed in experienced hands according to a standard anaesthesia protocol, clinical observation on a neurosurgical ward is sufficient to monitor the postoperative course. Such a policy results in substantial savings of costs and human resources.

Effectiveness of enhanced check during acute phase to reduce central venous catheters-associated bloodstream infections: a before-after, real-world study

BackgroundTo evaluate the effectiveness of enhanced check to the duration of the central venous catheters associated bloodstream infections (CABSIs), and the impact on infection rates.MethodsA before-after, real-world study in six adult intensive care units was conducted. All adult patients who had only one central venous catheter were included during two consecutive periods. The intervention period, added cross-check that all patients with central venous catheter (CVC) need to be performed, and included nurses' checks for insertion practices and doctors' checks for maintenance practices. Propensity scores matching were used to account for potential confounding, and restricted cubic spline was served as visualizing the CABSI risk.ResultsA total of 2906 patients with 26,157 CVC-days were analyzed. After intervention, the density incidence of CABSI decreased from 10.24 to 6.33/1,000 CVC-days (P < 0.001), and the acute period of rapid increase in CABSI risk was shortened, 6.5 to 5 days for femoral-vein catheterization and 7 to 5.5 days for subclavian-vein catheterization. For jugular-vein catheterization, the acute onset period disappeared.ConclusionEnhanced check during the first 7 calendar days after CVC insertion shortens the duration of the CABSI acute phase and tends to decrease CABSI rate.

EFFECTIVENESS OF ASCORBIC ACID AND SALINE SOLUTION IN PEDIATRIC CENTRAL VENOUS ACCESS: RANDOMIZED CLINICAL TRIAL

Objective: to compare the effectiveness between the use of ascorbic acid and 0.9% saline solution in the prevention of pediatric central venous catheter obstruction. Method: randomized clinical trial conducted in a public hospital in Paraná, between the months of June 2018 to October 2019 with 152 participants, of which, 73 in the experimental group and 79, control group) who underwent central venous catheter insertion and randomized to receive the flush intervention with ascorbic acid or 0.9% saline solution. Results: Catheter obstruction occurred in 17 cases (11.2%), nine (11.4%) in the control group and eight (10.9%) in the experimental group. Thrombotic obstruction occurred in 15 cases, in a similar way, in both groups (p=0.88). Catheter removal occurred in 82 cases for elective reasons and in 63 cases for complications. Conclusion: the use of ascorbic acid is as efficient as 0.9% saline solution in preventing central venous catheter obstruction. The study expands the possibilities of interventions within the theme.

Emergent Large-Bore Central Venous Catheter Placement in Severely Thrombocytopenic Patients with Suspected Immune-Mediated Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura Is Safe and Effective

Introduction: Immune-mediated thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP) is a progressive and nearly uniformly fatal disease if not suspected and managed with plasma exchange (PLEX). Initiation of PLEX requires placement of a large-bore central venous catheter (CVC) in a patient with severe thrombocytopenia where platelet transfusion is contraindicated except in the setting of life-threatening hemorrhage. We sought to determine the safety and complication rates of large-bore CVC placement in patients with suspected iTTP. Methods: The Parkland Health and Hospital System electronic medical record system was queried for ADAMTS13 labs from 7/2011 to 7/2021, identifying 1,371 ordered tests with 465 being ordered in the emergency department, observation, or inpatient setting. Sixty-eight patients had a large-bore CVC placed for PLEX with suspicion for iTTP. Characteristics of providers performing CVC placement were obtained via chart review. Records were reviewed for complications, including death, infection, thrombosis, bleeding, pneumothorax, or pressure ulcers. Minor bleeding complications were procedure site hematomas and self-limited episodes of bleeding requiring manual pressure. The only major complication was a hematoma that required intubation for airway protection. Categorical variables were compared using the chi-square test, while continuous variables were compared using the Wilcox rank sum test. Results: Of the 68 patients, the majority were Black or Hispanic (84%). Central venous catheter placement was most often performed by General Surgery (68%) followed by the Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU; 12%), Emergency Medicine (7%), and Nephrology (7%). Surgery and Emergency Medicine placed significantly more catheters in patients who ultimately had iTTP (P = 0.03). Resident physicians placed the majority of CVCs (79%) with no prophylactic blood products used in over 90% of cases. There was a 12% (8 out of 68) complication rate predominantly related to bleeding (n=7), although one patient had a pressure ulcer due to a lack of mobility after a femoral vein CVC placement. There was only one severe complication with the development of a rapidly expanding hematoma during an internal jugular (IJ) line placement causing airway compromise and requiring intubation. There were no differences in complication rates between line placement by General Surgery versus other services (P = 0.91) or with prophylactic platelet (P = 0.81), cryoprecipitate (P = 0.59), or FFP (P = 0.70) transfusions. A significant association was observed between the number of line attempts (median [IQR]) and complications (2 [2-4] v patients without complications: 1 [1-1], P < 0.001). In patients with iTTP, pre-procedural coagulation parameters had significantly lower platelets, lower INR, lower PT, and higher fibrinogen, suggesting a level of coagulopathy and/or disseminated intravascular coagulation in patients who were ultimately not found to have iTTP. Discussion: In a tertiary hospital, there was only one severe complication of large-bore CVC placement was observed in a cohort of 68 patients-most of whom had severe thrombocytopenia and did not receive prophylactic platelet or cryoprecipitate transfusions. Furthermore, resident physicians placed 79% of these CVCs without a significant increase in complication rate. Given that iTTP is a severe and progressive disease requiring emergent intervention, our findings suggest that CVC insertion for PLEX should not be delayed due to concerns regarding thrombocytopenia or bleeding complications. Most complications were minor bleeding or hematomas that resolved with pressure and observation. No significant difference in the rate of complications was observed when comparing surgical and non-surgical services. Conversely, there was an association between the number of CVC placement attempts and complications, suggesting that the line should be placed by whomever is qualified and available to expedite treatment. Figure 1View largeDownload PPTFigure 1View largeDownload PPT Close modal

Additionally using transthoracic echocardiography during ultrasound-guided jugular central venous catheter placement and the odds of catheter misplacement in children: A before-and-after study.

Central venous catheter (CVC) misplacement is a major complication.1 To avoid CVC misplacement, real-time ultrasound (US) guidance is recommended for CVC placement in children.2, 3 Transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) can be additionally used to confirm correct CVC tip position.4, 5 Whether additionally using TTE during US-guided jugular CVC placement reduces the incidence of catheter misplacement remains scarcely described. We thus sought to test the hypothesis that additionally using TTE during US-guided jugular CVC placement reduces the odds of CVC misplacement in children. After approval by the ethics committee with waiver of informed consent, we performed a retrospective before-and-after study in children aged 0–6 years who received a jugular CVC during anesthetic induction for congenital heart disease surgery at the University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf (Hamburg, Germany) between March 2015 and April 2020. In our institution, jugular CVCs in children having cardiac surgery are routinely placed using real-time US guidance since 2013. In October 2017, routine use of additional TTE during US-guided jugular CVC placement was implemented. In the 31-month “before period” (March 2015 to September 2017), anesthesiologists did not use TTE but chose the CVC insertion depth considering patient height (no-TTE-group). In the 31-month “after period” (October 2017 to April 2020), additional TTE (subcostal long-axis view) was routinely used during US-guided jugular CVC placement to confirm the correct position of the guidewire and the CVC tip (rapid saline flush test) (TTE-group) (Figure S1). During both study periods, chest x-ray was used to confirm correct CVC tip position after surgery. We categorized CVCs as misplaced when the CVC tip ended above the level of the superior vena cava in a noncentral vein or deep in the right atrium (Figure S2). We investigated the associations between CVC misplacement and TTE use by logistic regression for all patients including age as covariate—and separately for patients aged <1 year and 1–6 years. We report the odds ratios (OR) with 95% confidence intervals. We included 373 patients (156 no-TTE-group and 217 TTE-group) (Table S1). CVC misplacement occurred in 15/156 no-TTE-group patients (9.6%) and in 5/217 TTE-group patients (2.3%). The odds for CVC misplacement were 371% lower when TTE was used compared to when it was not used (p = .004, OR = 0.21 [0.067–0.57]) (Figure 1). Of all 373 patients, 229 (61%) were younger than 1 year. In these patients, CVC misplacement occurred in 8/76 no-TTE-group patients (11%) and in 4/153 TTE-group patients (2.6%). The odds for CVC misplacement were 319% lower when TTE was used (p = .023, OR = 0.24 [0.062–0.79]). Of all 373 patients, 144 (39%) were between 1 and 6 years old. In these patients, CVC misplacement occurred in 7/80 no-TTE-group patients (8.8%) and in 1/64 TTE-group patients (1.6%). The odds for CVC misplacement were 480% lower when TTE was used (p = .107, OR = 0.17 [0.0090–1.0]). In our study, additionally using TTE during US-guided jugular CVC placement in children reduced the odds for CVC misplacement by more than 300%—which obviously is clinically meaningful. In only about 1% of children, the subcostal long-axis view could not be obtained—and TTE could thus not be used to confirm the CVC tip position. In general, children provide an excellent acoustic window for TTE examination of the right atrium and the superior vena cava. Nevertheless, TTE requires technical skills and operator experience. Our results need to be interpreted in light of the inherent limitations of retrospective before-and-after studies. Additionally, we only included children with congenital heart disease, whose anatomy may differ from healthy children. However, as we excluded patients with irregular venous conformations, we assume that our findings can be transferred to pediatric patients in general. Additionally using TTE during US-guided jugular CVC placement reduces the odds of CVC misplacement in children aged 0–6 years. Clinicians should consider additionally using TTE during US-guided jugular CVC placement to increase patient safety. This work was supported solely from institutional and/or department sources. There are no conflicts of interest to declare. The data that support the findings of this study are available on request from the corresponding author. The data are not publicly available due to privacy or ethical restrictions. Supporting Information Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.

Transient Complete Heart Block during Femoral Central Venous Catheter Placement in a Pediatric Patient: A Case Description and Literature Review

Highlights Abstract Femoral central venous catheter (CVC) placement is a common procedure performed in the pediatric intensive care unit. Femoral CVCs have a relatively low intraprocedural complication rate compared with other access sites. We describe a case of guidewire-induced transient complete heart block during femoral CVC insertion. This complication is rare in the pediatric population. The incidence of its occurrence and guidance to prevent this complication are discussed.