The journal of vascular access
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Although tunneled hemodialysis catheter must be considered the last option for vascular access, it is necessary in some circumstances in the dialysis patient. Thrombosis and infections are the main causes of catheter-related comorbidity. Fibrin sheath, intimately related with the biofilm, is the precipitating factor of this environment, determining catheter patency and patient morbidity. ⋯ The higher effectiveness of coatings in nontunneled catheters may depend on the short average life of these devices. Hemodialysis catheters need to be used over long periods of time and require clinical trials to show effectiveness of coatings over long periods. This also means greater knowledge of biofilm etiopathogeny and fibrin sheath development.
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Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) are being increasingly used in critical care setting. However, PICCs are associated with a number of complications, particularly upper extremity venous thrombosis (UEVT), leading to post-thrombotic syndrome, pulmonary embolism and increased risk of catheter-related infection. ⋯ Decision to insert a PICC should be taken after careful risk stratification. There is lack of high-quality evidence assessing prevention strategies and management of PICC-related thrombosis in the ICU. Well-designed RCTs are required to estimate the prevalence of UEVT in ICU patients with PICCs and evaluate the efficacy and magnitude of clinical benefit and cost-effectiveness of therapeutic strategies.
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The aim of this study is to examine the efficacy of normal saline (0.9% sodium chloride) as a flush solution on patency of arterial lines in comparison to heparin flush. Data have been examined in various categories of specialty (medical, surgical, cardiac, burns, gynecology), frequency of flushes, strength and volume of flushes, continuous versus bolus, duration of each flush and patency incidence (range, ≤ 24 to ≥ 96 hours). The secondary aim focused on the incidences of reported heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT type I and II). ⋯ There is level 1 evidence to support heparin as a flush solution once the time frame exceeds 48 hours. In addition, there is level 1 evidence to suggest that heparin at higher doses and in continuous infusion has better patency incidence with no reports of HIT type II or I.
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To review the evidence behind Ultrasound (US) guided placement of arterial cannulae and its use in the critically ill population. ⋯ Most studies have demonstrated a higher success rate when using US guidance for arterial cannulation. Moreover, the technique permits more rapid access and establishment compared with the conventional palpation technique. However, there is evidence opposing the routine use of US to guide arterial cannula insertion. Further studies are required to ascertain the benefits and cost effectiveness of US guided arterial catheterization in peri-operative and critical care.
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Portacaths are tunnelled and totally implanted central venous access port devices (CVAPD). They are commonly used for intravenous antibiotic delivery in patients with cystic fibrosis. ⋯ It is therefore important to be aware of portacath associated complications and their imaging features. This pictorial review illustrates and discusses common complications associated with Portacath devices.