Insertion-related Complications Research Articles

Femoral to abdomen tunneling at the bedside for medium/long term venous access.

Femoral to abdomen tunneling of small-bore central venous catheters is a bedside technique for patients with contraindications to a thoracic approach, or as an alternative to a lower extremity catheter exit site. A femoral to abdomen tunneling technique was implemented for patients receiving medium and long-term intravenous treatments with contraindications to the thoracic venous approach or as an alternative to a lower extremity catheter exit site. All venous access devices were inserted with ultrasound guidance under local anesthesia, and catheter tip placement assessed by post procedural radiography. In this case series, from January 2020 to January 2023, a total of eight FTA-tunneled venous access devices were inserted. There were seven ambulatory patients and one bedbound patient. The median length of the subcutaneous tunnel was 20 cm, ranging from 15 to 27 cm. The median length of the intravenous catheter to the terminal tip was 31 cm, ranging from 23 to 40 cm. Tip location was confirmed by post-procedural abdominal radiograph. The catheter tip locations were interpreted to be at the level of T8-T9 (2), T12 (1), L4 (2), L2 (2), L1(1).No insertion or post insertion related complication was reported. Six patients completed the scheduled intravenous treatment. One patient was unable to be tracked due to transfer to an outside facility. One catheter initially demonstrated to be coiled over the left common iliac vessel was repositioned using a high flow flush technique. There was one reported catheter dislodgment by the nurse providing care and maintenance. The overall implant days were 961, with a median dwell time of 125 days ranging from 20 to 399 days. Femoral to abdomen tunneling provides an alternative exit site useful in select patients with complex intravenous access. The data of this small retrospective review suggests this a safe and minimally invasive bedside procedure.

Pseudo-tunneling procedure for PICC-ports catheters insertion in patients with small veins at the middle third of the arm.

Axillary vein in the brachial tract or Basilic vein in the proximal third of the arm usually present a diameter wide enough to receive a catheter of 5 Fr. Therefore, a peripherally inserted central catheters with port (PICC-Ports) cannot be positioned in these areas. Pseudo-tunneling procedure allows the positioning of the Port in the middle part of the arm without using tunnelers during insertion of PICC with Port in patients who present deep veins of the arm too small to receive a PICC-Port catheter. The aim of this study was to present our experience with pseudo-tunneling procedure during the positioning of the PICC-Port, while using a particular variation of the technique already described for PICCs and midline. From January to December 2023, 103 PICC-Ports were placed in adult patients. Ninety catheters were tunneled from the puncture of the axillary vein at the proximal arm point, while we used this new technique in 42 patients by the same trained team of Vascular Access Unit at ASST Spedali Civili Hospital of Brescia. All procedures were successfully performed at the first attempt. No insertion related complications were observed. Our data suggest pseudo-tunnelling is a safe and effective technique for PICC-Ports insertion avoiding central venous catheterization, even in patient with small vein at the arms.

Chest Tube Size Selection: Evaluating Provider Practices, Treatment Efficacy, and Complications in Management of Thoracic Trauma.

The standard for managing traumatic pneumothorax (PTX), hemothorax (HTX), and hemopneumothorax (HPTX) has historically been large-bore (LB) chest tubes (>20-Fr). Previous studies have shown equal efficacy of small-bore (SB) chest tubes (≤19-Fr) in draining PTX and HTX/HPTX. This study aimed to evaluate provider practice patterns, treatment efficacy, and complications related to the selection of chest tube sizes for patients with thoracic trauma. A retrospective chart review was performed on adult patients who underwent tube thoracostomy for traumatic PTX, HTX, or HPTX at a Level 1 Trauma Center from January 2016 to December 2021. Comparison was made between SB and LB thoracostomy tubes. The primary outcome was indication for chest tube placement based on injury pattern. Secondary outcomes included retained hemothorax, insertion-related complications, and duration of chest tube placement. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed. Three hundred and forty-one patients were included and 297 (87.1%) received LB tubes. No significant differences were found between the groups concerning tube failure and insertion-related complications. LB tubes were more frequently placed in patients with penetrating MOI, higher average ISS, and higher average thoracic AIS. Patients who received LB chest tubes experienced a higher incidence of retained HTX. In patients with thoracic trauma, both SB and LB chest tubes may be used for treatment. SB tubes are typically placed in nonemergent situations, and there is apparent provider bias for LB tubes. A future randomized clinical trial is needed to provide additional data on the usage of SB tubes in emergent situations.

Major immediate insertion-related complications after central venous catheterisation and associations with mortality, length of hospital stay, and costs: A prospective observational study.

It is well-known that infectious complications after central venous catheterisation are associated with increased mortality, length of hospital stay and costs. However, there are limited data regarding such associations for immediate insertion-related complications. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate whether major immediate insertion-related complications are associated with mortality, length of hospital stay and costs. This was a preplanned substudy to the CVC-MECH trial on immediate insertion-related complications after central venous catheterisation in the ultrasound-guided era. Patients receiving central venous catheters at Skåne University Hospital from 2 March 2019 to 31 December 2020 were prospectively included. Patient characteristics, clinical data and costs were automatically collected from medical journals and the patient administration system. Associations between major immediate insertion-related complications and mortality, length of hospital stay and costs were studied by multivariable logistic and linear regression analyses. In total, 6671 patients were included, of whom 0.5% suffered major immediate insertion-related complications. Multivariable analyses, including surrogates for general morbidity, showed associations between major immediate insertion-related complications and 30-day (odds ratio 2.46 [95% CI 1.05-5.77]), 90-day (2.90 [1.35-6.21]) and 180-day (2.26 [1.05-4.83]) mortality. There were no associations between major immediate insertion-related complications and increased length of hospital stay or costs. This study showed that major immediate insertion-related complications, although not directly responsible for any death, were associated with increased 30-day, 90-day and 180-day mortality. These findings clearly demonstrate the importance of using all possible means to prevent avoidable insertion-related complications after central venous catheterisation.

Ultrasound-guided subclavian vein catheterisation with a needle guide (ELUSIVE): protocol for a randomised controlled study

IntroductionCentral venous catheters are indispensable in modern healthcare. Unfortunately, they are accompanied by minor as well as major complications, leading to increased morbidity, mortality and costs. Immediate insertion-related complications (mechanical...

Accidental rupture of membranes and neonatal infection after labor induction with silicone or latex balloon catheters: A retrospective cohort study

Objective(s)Accidental rupture of membranes (acROM), an insertion-related complication of the balloon catheter for labor induction, may prolong the duration of ruptured membranes. Prolonged rupture of membranes is associated with an increased risk of intra-uterine infection with possibly neonatal infection as result. Little is known about safety profiles of different catheters regarding the occurrence of these complications. This study compares the incidence of neonatal early-onset sepsis (EOS) and acROM in women receiving either silicone or latex balloon catheters. Study designA retrospective cohort study was performed including 2200 women (silicone balloon catheter, n = 1100 vs. latex balloon catheter, n = 1100). The primary outcomes were the incidence of acROM, and suspected and proven neonatal EOS. Secondary outcomes were: prolonged rupture of membranes, intrapartum fever, pre- or postnatal neonatal exposure to antibiotics, and perinatal outcomes. A subgroup analysis was performed between women with and without acROM. ResultsNo statistically significant difference with regard to suspected or proven EOS was seen between the silicone and latex groups. The acROM rate was significantly higher in the silicone group compared to the latex group (2.9 % and 0.3 %, p < 0.01). Prolonged rupture of membranes was significantly more common in the silicone group compared to the latex group (5.0 % and 2.4 %, p < 0.01), as was the use of intrapartum antibiotics (12.7 % and 9.6 %, p = 0.02). Neonates were significantly more often exposed to pre- or postnatal antibiotics in the silicone group compared to the latex group (17.6 % and 13.6 %, p = 0.01). Subgroup analysis showed significantly more suspected and proven neonatal EOS when catheter-insertion was complicated with acROM (11.4 % and 20.0 %), compared to cases without acROM (3.8 % and 2.5 %), irrespective of the type of catheter used. Conclusion(s)The use of silicone balloon catheters for labor induction results in higher rates of acROM, prolonged rupture of membranes and use of intrapartum antibiotics, compared to latex balloon catheters. No statistically significant differences were found in the occurrence of suspected or proven neonatal EOS, however neonates from the silicone group were more often exposed to pre- or postnatal antibiotics. When acROM occurs, irrespective of type of catheter used, suspected and proven neonatal EOS was seen more often.

Pseudo-tunneling procedure: An easy technique for insertion of PICCs and Midline catheters in patients with small veins of the arm.

Axillary vein in the brachial tract or Basilic vein in the proximal third of the arm has got usually an enough diameter to receive a catheter of 4 or 5 Fr. In this case the exit site should be too proximal to the axilla with an higher risk of infection. Pseudo-tunneling procedure can create an exit site at the middle of the arm without using tunnelers during insertion of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters and Midlines in patients who present deep veins of the arm too small to receive a catheter to consent infusion and blood samples. The aim of this study is to present our experience with pseudo-tunneling procedure, also using a particular variation of the technique. From January 2014 to August 2022 150 Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters and 221 Midlines were insert in pediatric and adults patients with too small deep veins at the middle third of the arm with this technique by the same trained team of Vascular Access Unit at ASST Spedali Civili Hospital of Brescia. All procedures were successfully performed at the first or at the second attempt. No insertion related complications were observed. Our data suggest pseudo-tunneling technique is a safe and effective procedure for of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters and Midline insertion avoiding central venous catheterization even in patient with small vein at the arms.

Revisiting the Anatomical Landmark-Guided Central Venous Access Device Insertion: A Retrospective Cohort Study.

Ultrasound (USG) guidance is superior to blind and open cut-down techniques for accurate puncture of the internal jugular vein (IJV) or subclavian vein, but it increases the cost and duration of the procedure. Here, we report our experience with the reliability and consistency of anatomic landmark-guided technique for Central Venous Access Device (CVAD) insertion in a low-resource setting. A retrospective analysis of the prospectively maintained database of patients undergoing CVAD insertion through one of the jugular veins was performed. Central venous access was achieved using a standardized anatomic insertion landmark (apex of Sedillot's triangle). Ultrasonography (USG) and/or fluoroscopy assistance was taken as and when required. Over 12months (October 2021 to September 2022), a total of 208 patients underwent CVAD insertion. Central venous access was successfully achieved using anatomic landmark-guided technique in all but 14 patients (6.7%), in whom USG guidance or C-arm was used. Eleven out of 14 patients who needed guidance for CVAD insertion had body mass index (BMI) of more than 25, one had thyromegaly while the remaining two had an arterial puncture during cannulation. CVAD insertion-related complications included deep vein thrombosis (DVT) in five, extravasation of chemotherapeutic agent in one, spontaneous extrusion related to a fall in one, and persistent withdrawal-related occlusion in seven patients. Anatomical landmark-guided technique of CVAD insertion is safe and reliable, and can reduce the need for USG/C-arm in 93% of the patients.

Chest-to-arm tunneling technique for central venous access devices in neonates.

Chest-to-arm (CTA) tunneling technique has been described recently as an alternative option to exit site of the catheter in the infraclavicular area. We report our experience with ultrasound-guided centrally inserted central catheters (CICCs) placed using CTA tunneling in six neonates. All central venous catheters were positioned with ultrasound guidance and real-time tip location. There were no insertion-related complications; all devices were correctly positioned at the first attempt. During the follow-up, we found no catheter-related thrombosis, infections, or catheter malfunction. No tip position-related complications. Only one case of secondary malposition was reported. In our experience, the CTA tunneling technique is reliable, safe, and feasible in the neonate even from the first hours of life, as well as for preterm newborns; it could be a valid alternative to the usual exit site.

Pseudo-tunneling procedure: an advantageous and safe technique for brachial catheters in younger children.

The aim of this study is to present our experience with the use of a particular tunneling technique called pseudo-tunnelling, during insertion of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) and Midlines in younger patients. The children's brachial veins at the middle third of the arm are usually too small for cannulation. So the veins in the axilla are the best option for implantation of a four or five French catheter. A pseudo-tunneling procedure can create an exit site at the middle of the arm without using other procedural sets. From January 2014 to August 2022, 60 PICCs and 113 midlines were inserted in children admitted to Children Hospital of Brescia. Every procedure was successfully performed during the first or the second time at latest. The time of procedure was not significantly different from non tunnelized procedures. No insertion related complications were observed. Our data suggests that pseudo-tunneling is a safe and effective procedure for brachial device implants to avoid central venous catheterization even in pediatric patients.

Long-term patient satisfaction and removal rate after essure sterilization: a follow-up study

BackgroundThe objective of our study was to assess the rate and causes for Essure® micro-insert system removal and patients’ long term satisfaction rate with the procedure.MethodsAll patients who underwent Essure® hysteroscopic sterilization at our tertiary centre between years 2007 and 2018 were included in this follow-up study. A questionnaire was sent to all patients per standard mail. Patients who did not respond to questionnaires per mail, were called by phone. The satisfaction with the Essure® sterilization, as well as any additional procedures after the insertion or insertion-related complications were analysed.ResultsFrom the year 2007 to 2018, we performed 427 Essure® hysteroscopic sterilizations and of these, 329 patients responded to the questionnaire (response rate 77%). Ten patients (3%) had Essure® removal, two of them due to pain (0.6%). Patients were very satisfied with the procedure (9.5 on scale 0–10). Most patients (95.3%) would recommend the procedure to their friend.ConclusionsEssure® hysteroscopic sterilization is a procedure with a very high satisfaction rate and a very low removal rate due to sterilization-related complications.Trial registration Institutional review board of University medical centre Maribor approved the study, approval number UKC-MB-KME-73/19.

Ultrasound-guided placement of long peripheral cannula in children with cystic fibrosis.

BackgroundThe natural history of cystic fibrosis (CF) lung disease is a chronic deterioration of lung function with intermittent episodes of pulmonary infectious exacerbations (PExs). Reliable venous access is a milestone of effective management of such exacerbations, managed both in hospital and outpatient chronic therapy. The aim of our study was to analyze the feasibility of ultrasound‐guided positioning of long peripheral catheters (LPC) as reliable midterm venous access in children affected by CF.MethodsIn this single‐center prospective study, over a 60‐month period, we included paediatric CF subjects admitted with PExs and undergoing intravenous antibiotic treatment. LPCs were inserted in all participants by paediatric anaesthesiologists with ultrasound guide technique. Prospective data were collected assessing catheter positioning procedure and complications.ResultsA total of 122 LPC insertions were performed in 55 CF children. Participants had a median age of 6.75 years (interquatile range: 3.7−13.5) at the time of catheter insertion. Implantation was successful on the first attempt in 86% of cases; 2 (1%) major insertion‐related complications were reported. Eighty‐eight percent of catheters were electively removed at the end of antibiotic therapy without any complication. Seven percent of the catheters were removed electively for occlusion and 2% for local dislodgment.ConclusionsThe results of the present study suggest that ultrasound‐guided positioning of LPCs are safe alternative means of peripheral venous access in children with chronic diseases such as CF.

Safety of Bedside Placement of Tunneled Hemodialysis Catheters in the Intensive Care Unit: Translating from the COVID-19 Experience.

Background: Critically ill patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and kidney dysfunction often require tunneled hemodialysis catheter (TDC) placement for kidney replacement therapy, typically under fluoroscopic guidance to minimize catheter-related complications. This entails transportation of patients outside the intensive care unit to a fluoroscopy suite, which may potentially expose many healthcare providers to COVID-19. One potential strategy to mitigate the risk of viral transmission is to insert TDCs at the bedside, using ultrasound and anatomic landmarks only, without fluoroscopic guidance. Methods: We reviewed all COVID-19 patients in the intensive care unit who underwent right internal jugular TDC insertion at the bedside between April and December 2020. Outcomes included catheter placement-related complications such as post-procedural bleeding, air embolism, dysrhythmias, pneumothorax/hemothorax, and catheter tip malposition. TDC insertion was considered successful if the catheter was able to achieve blood flow sufficient to perform either a single intermittent or 24 h of continuous hemodialysis treatment. Results: We report a retrospective, single-center case series of 25 patients with COVID-19 who had right internal jugular TDCs placed at the bedside, 10 of whom underwent simultaneous insertion of small-bore right internal jugular tunneled central venous catheters for infusion. Continuous veno-venous hemodialysis was utilized for kidney replacement therapy in all patients, and a median catheter blood flow rate of 200 mL/min (IQR: 200–200) was achieved without any deviation from the dialysis prescription. No catheter insertion-related complications were observed, and none of the catheter tips were malpositioned. Conclusions: Bedside right internal jugular TDC placement in COVID-19 patients, using ultrasound and anatomic landmarks without fluoroscopic guidance, may potentially reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission among healthcare workers without compromising patient safety or catheter function. Concomitant insertion of tunneled central venous catheters in the right internal jugular vein for infusion may also be safely accomplished and further help limit personnel exposure to COVID-19.

Prevalence of Complications after Interval Postpartum Intrauterine Device Insertion

Background and Aim: Postpartum intrauterine device (PPIUD) is a reversible, long-term and effective technique of contraception. The intrauterine device (IUD) is inserted within 48 hours of delivery. The immediate insertion of an intrauterine device causes certain complications. The present study aimed to assess the prevalence of complications after Interval Postpartum Intrauterine Device Insertion. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was carried out on 147 women who underwent postpartum IUD (PPIUD) insertions during from January 2021 to June 2021 at Gynecology department, Mufti Mehmood Memorial Teaching Hospital (MMMTH), Dera Ismail Khan and Muhammad Teaching Hospital Peshawar. All the women who delivered and showed willingness for PPIUCD insertion were enrolled and continuously follow-up for 4 to 6 weeks after delivery. Demographic, obstetric, and clinical parameters were recorded on pre-designed medical proforma. PPIUCD insertion after 6 weeks of delivery were followed-up for the evaluation of complications. Uterine infection, medical removal of IUD, IUD expulsion, perforation, and method discontinuation were the outcome variables. SPSS version 20 was used for data analysis. Results: Of the total deliveries, 147 women inserted the postpartum intrauterine contraceptive device (PPIUCD). Of the total, about 122 (83%) women returned for follow-up after 6 weeks. All the women underwent transvaginal insertion of intrauterine contraceptive devices. The PPIUCD insertion related complications with prevalence were uterine infection 26 (21.3%), overall method suspension 17 (13.9%), perforation 20 (16.4%), interceptive uterine device expulsions 25 (20.5%), and intrauterine device removal 32 (26.2%). The severe uterine infection was in 2 (1.7%) cases who were hospitalized. Conclusion: The postpartum intrauterine device cumulative expulsion rate was higher among women compared to the expulsion rate of insertions. The longer duration of bloody lochia flow and delivery intrauterine device insertions were the key risk factors for expulsion of PPIUCD. Women can safely utilize intrauterine contraceptive devices with low complications beyond four week. Keywords: Postpartum intrauterine device; Complications; Intrauterine device expulsion

Ultrasound in pediatric surgery; intraoperative applications of the growing technology

BackgroundUltrasonography is increasingly used in pediatric surgery. Intraoperatively, ultrasonography can be used to confirm the preoperative diagnosis, guide the surgical approach, and enhance decision-making. We aimed to report our experience with intraoperative ultrasonography in different neonatal and pediatric procedures. So, a retrospective study was designed. It included all pediatric patients who had intraoperative ultrasound between January 2018 and October 2020 in a single center.ResultsWe used intraoperative ultrasonography in 208 pediatric patients for various types of surgery. The authors compared ultrasound-guided central line insertion (n = 139) to the landmark method (n = 153). The number of trials was significantly lower in the ultrasound-guided method (P < 0.001). Conversion to cut-down was significantly lower with the ultrasound-guided technique (4 (2.8%) vs. 13 (8.5%); P = 0.047) and insertion-related complications were lower with ultrasound (0 vs 13 (8.5%); P < 0.001). We used ultrasound-guided sclerotherapy for cystic hygroma in 15 patients. Nine patients had successful treatment with a single injection (60%).ConclusionThe application of intraoperative ultrasound in pediatric patients is increasing in our institution. The technique is safe and could effectively reduce central line insertion complications and enhance cystic hygroma sclerotherapy’s success with a single injection. Ultrasonography should be an essential part of residents’ and fellows’ training in pediatric surgery.

Rapid Assessment of Vascular Exit Site and Tunneling Options (RAVESTO): A new decision tool in the management of the complex vascular access patients.

In the last decade, different standardized protocols have been developed for a systematic ultrasound venous assessment before central venous catheterization: RaCeVA (Rapid Central Vein Assessment), RaPeVA (Rapid Peripheral Vein Assessment), and RaFeVA (Rapid Femoral Vein Assessment). Such protocols were designed to locate the ideal puncture site to minimize insertion-related complications. Recently, subcutaneous tunneling of non-cuffed central venous access devices at bedside has also grown in acceptance. The main rationale for tunneling is to relocate the exit site based on patient factors and concerns for dislodgement. The tool we describe (RAVESTO-Rapid Assessment of Vascular Exit Site and Tunneling Options) defines the different options of subcutaneous tunneling and their indications in different clinical situations in patients with complex vascular access.

Ultrasound-guided cannulation of the superficial femoral vein for central venous access.

In some clinical conditions, central venous access is preferably or necessarily achieved by threading the catheter into the inferior vena cava. This can be obtained not only by puncture of the common femoral vein at the groin, but also-as suggested by few recent studies-by puncture of the superficial femoral vein at mid-thigh. We have retrospectively reviewed our experience with central catheters inserted by ultrasound-guided puncture and cannulation of the superficial femoral vein, focusing mainly on indications, technique of venipuncture, and incidence of immediate/early complications. From June 2020 to December 2020, we have inserted 98 non-tunneled central venous catheters (tip in inferior vena cava or right atrium) by ultrasound-guided puncture of the superficial femoral vein at mid-thigh or in the lower third of the thigh, all of them secured by subcutaneous anchorage. The success of the maneuver was 100% and immediate/early complications were negligible. Follow-up of hospitalized patients (72.5% of all cases) showed only one episode of catheter dislodgment, no episode of infection and no episode of catheter related thrombosis. The ultrasound approach to the superficial femoral vein is an absolutely safe technique of central venous access. In our experience, it was not associated with any risk of severe insertion-related complications, even in patients with low platelet count or coagulation disorders. Also, the exit site of the catheter at mid-thigh may have advantages if compare to the exit site in the inguinal area.

Never Too Early: Parenteral Nutrition Administration in Elderly Emergency General Surgery Patients

Objectives: Elderly patients requiring emergency general surgery (EGS) are at high risk for complications due to preexisting malnutrition. Thus, correcting nutritional deficits perioperatively is essential to improve outcomes. However, even in patients unable to tolerate enteral nutrition, initiation of parenteral nutrition (PN) is often delayed due to concerns of associated complications. In this study, we hypothesized that in elderly EGS patients with relative short-term contraindications to enteral nutrition, early administration of PN is as safe as delayed administration. Furthermore, early PN may improve outcomes by enhancing caloric intake and combatting malnutrition in the immediate perioperative period. Design and Setting: A single-institution, retrospective review was performed at a quaternary academic medical center. Participants: Participants consisted of 58 elderly patients &gt;65 years of age admitted to the EGS service who required PN between July 2017 and July 2020. Measurements: Postoperative outcomes of patients started on PN on hospital day 0-3 (early initiation) were compared to patients started on PN on hospital day 4 or later (late initiation). Bivariate analysis was conducted using the Chi-square or Fisher’s exact test for categorical variables and the Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test and F-test for continuous variables. Results: Fifty-eight patients met inclusion criteria, with 27 (46.6%) patients receiving early PN and 31 (53.4%) receiving late PN. Both groups shared similar baseline characteristics, including degree of frailty, body mass index, and nutritional status at time of admission. Complications associated with PN administration were negligible, with no instances of central venous catheter insertion-related complications, catheter-associated bloodstream infection, or factors leading to early termination of PN therapy. A significantly higher proportion of patients in the early administration group met 60% of their caloric goal within 72 hours of admission (62.9% versus 19.5%, p=0.0007). Patients receiving late PN demonstrated a significantly higher rate of unplanned admission to the intensive care unit (38.7% versus 14.8%, p=0.04). Moreover, there was a 21.5% reduction in mortality among patients in the early initiation group compared to patients in the late initiation group (33.3% versus 54.8%, p=0.10). Conclusions: Early initiation of PN in hospitalized elderly EGS patients was not associated with increased adverse events compared to patients undergoing delayed PN administration. Furthermore, patients receiving early PN demonstrated a 2.6-fold decrease in the rate of unplanned admission to the intensive care unit and trended toward improved mortality. Based on these results, further prospective studies are warranted to further explore the safety and potential benefits of early PN administration in elderly surgical patients unable to receive enteral nutrition.

Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters Present on Admission and the Risk of Central-Line–Associated Bloodstream Infection

Background: Patients presenting to hospitals often arrive with peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) in place upon admission. The admitting facility may not be familiar with that device’s history and the unknown risk for bloodstream infection associated with it often prompts requests for device replacement. A blanket approach to “change all lines” must be balanced with the potential for patient discomfort and insertion-related complications. To better inform our approach to prevention, we determined the incidence of central-line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) in adult patients presenting to hospitals in our health system with a PICC present on admission (POA), relative to those who have a PICC placed after admission (PAA). Methods: This retrospective cohort study included all adult hospital encounters at 11 Cleveland Clinic acute-care hospitals lasting &gt; 2 days in 2018 with electronic medical record nursing care flowsheet documentation of a PICC during the stay. Patients whose admission diagnosis was related to intravascular catheter infection, children aged &lt;18 years, and observation unit encounters were excluded. Patients were categorized as having a PICC POA if a nurse selected that option on a PICC flowsheet, otherwise the patient was categorized has having a PICC PAA. Surveillance for CLABSI was performed in all inpatient locations at all hospitals according to the NHSN protocol. Patients with ≥1 CLABSI were matched to encounters by name and date of admission. Repeat infections occurring to the same patient were excluded. Results: Of the 8,827 eligible hospital encounters, 1,799 (20%) involved a PICC POA and 7,028 (80%) had PICCs PAA. Across 11 hospitals, the median proportion of PICC-associated encounters with a device POA was 15% (range, 8%–25%). Moreover, 23 of the 112 CLABSIs (21%) in our cohort occurred in patients with a PICC POA and 89 (79%) occurred in patients with a PICC PAA (Table 1). The overall relative risk of CLABSI, whether the PICC was placed before or after admission, was 1.00 (95% CI, 0.64–1.60). Conclusions: Patients with a PICC present on admission to our hospitals were no more likely to experience a CLABSI than patients who had a PICC placed after admission. Replacing vascular catheters that are POA may not reduce the risk of CLABSI. With up to 25% of PICC-associated encounters having the device POA, universal device replacement at admission would involve hundreds of patients per year at our multihospital health system.Funding: NoneDisclosures: None

Ultrasound guidance for Port-A-Cath insertion in children; a comparative study.

BackgroundGaining vascular access in children is challenging. Ultrasound-guided central line insertion in adults became the standard of care; however, its role in children is not clear. Our objective was to evaluate the ultrasound-guided Port-A-Cath or totally implanted long-term venous access device insertion in pediatric patients compared to the traditional approach.MethodsThis single-institution retrospective cohort study included 169 children who had port-A-catheters between May 2016 and Oct 2019. The patients were divided into two groups; group A included patients who had Port-A-Cath insertion using the landmark method (n = 117), and Group B included patients who had ultrasound-guided Port-A-Cath insertion (n = 52). Preoperative, operative, and postoperative data were collected and compared between the two groups. The study outcomes were operative time and catheter insertion-related complications.ResultsThere was no significant difference in age or gender between both groups (P = .33 and .71, respectively). Eleven cases in group A and two cases in group B were converted to cut down technique because of difficulty in inserting the guidewire. There was no difference in the indication of the need for the port-A-Cath between both groups. The mean operative time for group A was 47 min and for group B was 41.7 min (P < .042). Two patients had intraoperative bleeding and hemothorax and required blood transfusion and chest tube insertion in group A. No statistically significant difference was found in the reported complications between the groups. However, the insertion-related complications were higher in group A (P = .053). No procedure-related mortality was reported.ConclusionsUltrasound-guided insertion of Port-A-Cath is an effective and safe technique with a reduction of failure rate. It should be considered the standard technique for Port-A-Cath insertion in the pediatric population.