The journal of vascular access
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Malposition of peripherally inserted central catheters placed at the bedside is a well-recognized phenomenon. We report the success rate of the placement of peripherally inserted central catheters with ultrasound guidance for tip positioning and describe the knacks and pitfalls. ⋯ Ultrasound guidance for puncturing and tip positioning is a promising option for the placement of peripherally inserted central catheters. Ultrasound guidance could dispense with radiation exposure and the transfer of patients to the X-ray department.
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Multicenter Study
Decreasing dialysis catheter rates by creating a multidisciplinary dialysis access program.
Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services have determined that chronic dialysis units should have <12% of their patients utilizing central venous catheters for hemodialysis treatments. On the Eastern Shore of Maryland, the central venous catheter rates in the dialysis units averaged >45%. A multidisciplinary program was established with goals of decreasing catheter rates in order to decrease central line-associated bloodstream infections, decrease mortality associated with central line-associated bloodstream infection, decrease hospital days, and provide savings to the healthcare system. ⋯ We conclude that a formalized access program decreases catheter rates, central line-associated bloodstream infection, and the resultant hospitalizations, mortality, and costs. Areas with high hemodialysis catheter rates should develop access programs to better serve their patient population.
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Observational Study
Electrocardiography-controlled central venous catheter tip positioning in patients with atrial fibrillation.
A significant increase of the p-wave of a real-time intracavitary electrocardiography is a reliable and safe method to confirm the central venous catheter tip position close to the atrium. However, conflicting data about the feasibility of electrocardiography exist in patients with atrial fibrillation. ⋯ Electrocardiography-guided central venous catheter tip positioning is a feasible real-time method for patients with atrial fibrillation. Combined with ultrasound, the electrocardiography-controlled central venous catheter placement may eliminate the need for postinterventional radiation exposure.
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Comparative Study
Effect of catheter diameter on left innominate vein in breast cancer patients after totally implantable venous access port placement.
To evaluate the effect of catheter diameter on left innominate vein stenosis in breast cancer patients after placement of totally implantable venous access ports. ⋯ The incidence of left innominate vein stenosis was higher after implantation of totally implantable venous access ports with 8F catheter rather than with 6.5F catheter. Considering that using 8F catheter versus 6.5F catheter has no advantage in terms of performance of the device, the results of our study suggest that ports with catheters >7F should be avoided.
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Hemodialysis is the main modality of renal replacement therapy in Singapore. However, a majority of the patients in Singapore are initiated on hemodialysis via a catheter. This study examines the complication rates and factors predicting catheter-related bloodstream infections and mortality rates in patients who were initiated on hemodialysis at our institution. ⋯ In conclusion, prolonged duration of catheter insertion is found to be a risk factor for catheter-related bloodstream infection in hemodialysis patients, and its development is associated with increased mortality. Early referral to a nephrologist and creation of arteriovenous fistula in pre-end-stage renal disease patients are pivotal in improving the outcomes of patients.