Multiple paradoxical embolisms caused by central venous catheter thrombus passing through a patent foramen ovale: A case report

BACKGROUND To date,this is the first case of a paradoxical embolism(PDE)that concurrently manifested in the coronary and lower limb arteries and was secondary to a central venous catheter(CVC)thrombus via a patent foramen ovale(PFO).CASE SUMMARY Here,we report a case of simultaneous coronary and lower limb artery embolism in a PFO patient carrier of a CVC.The patient presented to the hospital with acute chest pain and lower limb fatigue.Doppler ultrasound showed a large thrombus in the right internal jugular vein,precisely at the tip of the CVC.Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography confirmed the existence of a PFO,with inducible right-to-left shunting by the Valsalva maneuver.The patient was administered an extended course of anticoagulation therapy,and then the CVC was successfully removed.Percutaneous PFO closure was not undertaken.There was no recurrence during follow-up.CONCLUSION Thus,CVC-associated thrombosis is a potential source for multiple PDE in PFO patients.

Clues for diagnosing misplaced central venous catheter in the right ascending lumbar vein during right femoral venous access

The right ascending lumbar vein is difficult to detect on anteroposterior abdominalradiographs because it overlaps with the inferior vena cava on anteroposteriorradiographs.Intensive observation by medical providers may be a cue fordiagnosis.However,knowledge of catheter misplacement of the right ascendinglumbar vein is also necessary,because misplacement cannot be suspected withoutthat awareness.

Current Research Progress of Central Venous Catheter-Associated Fibrin Sheath Prevention and Nursing Care

With the popularization of central venous catheterization in recent years,the problems arising from intravenous therapy have gradually increased.Fibrin sheath is the complication with the highest incidence rate in central venous catheterization,which has always been a major problem in intravenous therapy.So the prevention and treatment of fibrin sheath has become a hot spot of research in recent years.Hence,this paper summarizes the research on fibrin sheath in recent years.

Central venous catheterization-related complications in a cohort of 100 hospitalized patients:An observational study

Objective:To evaluate the complications of central venous catheterization(CVC).Methods:A prospective,observational study was conducted at a tertiary care center in India from December 2018 to September 2020.Critically ill patients(aged≥18 years)in the intensive care unit undergoing CVC procedures were included in the study.Baseline demographics and detailed medical history were recorded.Chest X-rays and electrocardiography were performed on all the patients.Complications associated with CVC were recorded.Results:A total of 100 patients with the indication for central venous catheter insertion were included.The majority(81%)of the patients were inserted with CVC at the right internal jugular vein.Complications such as arterial puncture(2%),hematoma(4%),blood clot formation(4%),catheter kinking(3%),thoracic injury(1%),thrombophlebitis(6%),sepsis(9%)and nerve injury(1%)were reported.Conclusions:Though central venous access is preferred in management of critically ill patients,it has its risks.However,early recognition and prompt management of complications may reduce mortality and morbidity.Physicians and intensive care unit intensivists should be vigilant for central venous catheter-related complications.Suitable site selection,operator experience,and proper catheter maintenance are associated with optimal outcomes.

Emphysematous thrombophlebitis caused by a misplaced central venous catheter: A case report

BACKGROUND Central venous catheters(CVCs)often cause life-threatening complications,especially CVC-related bloodstream infection(CVC-BSI)and catheter-related thrombosis(CRT).Here,we report an unusual case of misplaced CVC-induced emphysematous thrombophlebitis,a rare but potentially lethal form of CRT and CVC-BSI characterized by both thrombosis and gas formation.CASE SUMMARY A 48-year-old male presented to the emergency room of a local hospital with sudden-onset headache and coma for 4 h.Computed tomography(CT)revealed right basal ganglia hemorrhage,so emergency decompressive craniotomy was performed and a CVC was inserted through the right subclavian vein for fluid resuscitation during anesthesia.Two days later,the patient was transferred to the intensive care unit of our hospital for further critical care.On day 9 after CVC insertion,the patient suddenly developed fever and hypotension.Point-of-care ultrasound(POCUS)demonstrated thrombosis and dilatation of the right internal jugular vein(IJV)filled with thrombosis.Ultrasonography also revealed that the CVC tip had been misplaced into the IJV and was surrounded by gas bubbles,which manifested as hyperechoic lines with dirty shadowing and comet-tail artifacts.Further CT scan confirmed air bubbles surrounding the CVC in the right neck.The final diagnosis was septic emphysematous thrombophlebitis induced by a misplaced CVC and ensuing septic shock.The responsible CVC was removed immediately.The patient received fluid resuscitation,intravenous noradrenaline,and a 10-d ultra-broad spectrum antibiotic treatment to combat septic shock.Both CVC and peripheral venous blood cultures yielded methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus cohnii.The patient was gradually weaned off vasopressors and the symptoms of redness and swelling in the right neck subsided within 7 d.CONCLUSION Emphysematous thrombophlebitis is a fulminant and life-threatening CVC-BSI associated with thrombosis and gas formation in the vein.A misplaced CVC may facilitate the development of emphysematous thrombophlebitis.POCUS can easily identify the artifacts produced by gas and thrombosis,facilitating rapid diagnosis at the bedside.

Comparison of intraosseous access and central venous catheterization in Chinese adult emergency patients: A prospective, multicenter, and randomized study

BACKGROUND: It is challenging to establish peripheral intravenous access in adult critically patients. This study aims to compare the success rate of the first attempt, procedure time, operator satisfaction with the used devices, pain score, and complications between intraosseous(IO) access and central venous catheterization(CVC) in critically ill Chinese patients.METHODS: In this prospective clustered randomized controlled trial, eight hospitals were randomly divided into either the IO group or the CVC group. Patients who needed emergency vascular access were included. From April 1, 2017 to December 31, 2018, each center included 12 patients. We recorded the data mentioned above.RESULTS: A total of 96 patients were enrolled in the study. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups regarding sex, age, body mass index, or operator satisfaction with the used devices. The success rates of the first attempt and the procedure time were statistically significant between the IO group and the CVC group(91.7% vs. 50.0%, P<0.001;52.0 seconds vs. 900.0 seconds, P<0.001). During the study, 32 patients were conscious. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding the pain score associated with insertion. There were statistically significant differences between the two groups regarding the pain score associated with IO or CVC infusion(1.5 vs. 0.0, P=0.044). Complications were not observed in the two groups.CONCLUSIONS: IO access is a safe, rapid, and effective technique for gaining vascular access in critically ill adults with inaccessible peripheral veins in the emergency departments.

Emergency service results of central venous catheters:Single center,1042 patients,10-year experience

BACKGROUND Central venous catheterization is currently an important procedure in critical care.Central catheterization has important advantages in many clinical situations.It can also lead to different complications such as infection,hemorrhage,and thrombosis.It is important to investigate critically ill patients undergoing catheterization.AIM To evaluate the characteristics,such as hospitalization,demographic characteristics,post-catheterization complications,and mortality relationships,of patients in whom a central venous catheter was placed in the emergency room.METHODS A total of 1042 patients over the age of 18 who presented to the emergency department between January 2005 and December 2015 were analyzed retrospectively.The patients were divided into three groups,jugular,subclavian,and femoral,according to the area where the catheter was inserted.Complications related to catheterization were determined as pneumothorax,guidewire problems,bleeding,catheter site infection,arterial intervention,and sepsis.Considering the treatment follow-up of the patients,three groups were formed as outpatient treatment,hospitalization,and death.RESULTS The mean age of the patients was 60.99±19.85 years;423(40.6%)of them were women.Hospitalization time was 11.89±16.38 d.There was a significant correlation between the inserted catheters with gender(P=0.009)and hospitalization time(P=0.040).Also,blood glucose,blood urea nitrogen,creatinine,and serum potassium values among the biochemical values of the patients who were catheterized were significant.A significant association was observed in the analysis of patients with complications that develop according to the catheter region(P=0.001)and the outcome stage(P=0.001).In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of hospitalization time and mortality area under curve was 0.575,the 95%confidence interval was 0.496-0.653,the sensitivity was 71%,and the specificity was 89%(P=0.040).CONCLUSION Catheter location and length of stay are important risk factors for catheter-borne infections.Because the risk of infection was lower than other catheters,jugular catheters should be preferred at entry points,and preventive measures should be taken by monitoring patients closely to reduce hospitalization infections.

Study on the Risk Factors of Central Venous-Related Bloodstream Infection in Outpatients

Objective:To analyze the risk factors of catheter-related bloodstream infection in outpatients and propose feasible prevention and control measures.Methods:The medical records of outpatients with peripherally inserted central catheter(PICC)from January 2020 to December 2021 were selected for retrospective analysis,and the factors that may be related to the occurrence of catheter-related bloodstream infection were analyzed by logistic multivariate analysis.Results:The incidence rate of catheter-related bloodstream infection among the enrolled patients was 4.78%.It was found that age,duration of catheterization,catheter site,number of punctures,and diabetes were all risk factors for catheter-associated bloodstream infection,and the differences were statistically significant.Conclusion:Age,duration of catheterization,catheterization site,and diabetes are all risk factors for catheter-related bloodstream infection,and medical personnel should fully understand and learn more about these risk factors and actively develop countermeasures to reduce the risk of catheter-related bloodstream infection.

Sonographic guidance for tunneled central venous catheters insertion in pediatric oncologic patients: guided punctures and guide wire localization

Objective Totally implantable devices (TIDs) and external tunneled catheters (ETCs) became a basic requirement in the treatment of pediatric oncologic patients. Techniques for implantation and confirmation of proper position vary among different centers. The article presented different techniques for sonographic guided puncture of the target central vein and confirmation of the proper position of tunneled catheters.

Viabahn Stent Graft for Inadvertent Insertion of a Central Venous Catheter in the Subclavian Artery

Subclavian artery (SCA) injuries associated with central venous catheter (CVC) insertion are uncommon yet lethal complications that typically require surgical treatment. This case report presents the case of a 94-year-old man with an iatrogenic right SCA injury resulting from a misplaced CVC. Computed tomography revealed the catheter piercing the right internal jugular vein to enter the right SCA and then reaching the aortic arch. Emergent endovascular treatment was performed, and a 13-mm × 50-mm self-expanding Viabahn stent graft (W.L. Gore & Associates, Flagstaff, AZ, USA) was placed via the right brachial artery. The misplaced catheter was successfully removed under simultaneous postdeployment balloon dilatation. This case highlights the utility of the Viabahn stent graft for iatrogenic right SCA injury caused by a misplaced CVC and presents some insights and tips for a safer procedure.

Ultrasound-Guided Central Venous Catheterization: A Protocol to Be Followed in Pediatrics?

Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of ultrasound-guided central venous catheterization when compared to the conventional procedure. Method: A prospective cohort study was carried out over a 9-month period from February to October 2016 involving 144 inpatients at PICU of Irmandade da Santa Casa de Sao Paulo Hospital, undergoing central venous catheterization. The patients were matched in pairs of identical patients according to the levels of potentially intervening variables (age, nutritional status, puncture site, professional experience), differing only as to the CVC technique: ultrasound-guided (USG-CVC) or conventional (C-CVC). Discarding data from non-paired patients, the remaining did forming 47 pairs, matched as two related samples: USG-CVC and C-CVC groups. Success parameters: number of puncture attempts;time spent at CVC;success rate and complications. Results: In the USG-CVC group, the number of attempts (mean = 2.04) and the time spent at catheterization (mean = 11.89 minutes) were lower (t = 2.34, df = 46, t 0.95 = 2.02, p t = 3.07, df = 46, t 0.95 = 2.02, p < 0.05), respectively, when compared to the results obtained for the control group (C-GVC), (mean = 3.21) and (mean = 28.26 minutes), respectively. As to success, there was observed a significant difference (F (1, 46) = 16.6;Q (1) = 12.5, p < 005) when considering only one trial (USG -CVC = 27/47;C-CVC = 9/47), but no significant difference (F (1, 46) = 3.76;Q (1) = 3.56, p > 0.05) when considering several attempts. Complications were found less frequently in the USG-CVC group (3/47) than in the CVC-C (13/47), (F (1, 46) = 8.24;Q (1) = 7.14, p < 0.05). Conclusion: USG-CVC was found to be more effective than the conventional technique, especially regarding success at the first puncture attempt.

Peripheral Central Venous Catheter Induced Supraventricular Tachycardia in a Patient of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia

Central venous catheters (CVCs) are used in intensive care units (and, increasingly, in other locations) to administer intravenous fluids and blood products, drugs, parenteral nutrition, and to monitor haemodynamic status. The risk of complication during the insertion or exchange of central venous catheters has been well documented. The majority of complications involve mechanical problems, although rarely it may induce arrhythmias as well [1]. Herein we present a case of peripheral central venous catheter induced supraventricular tachycardia in a young patient of acute lymphoblastic leukemia.

Factors influencing the optimal selection of central venous access devices:A qualitative study of health care team members’perspectives

Objective:This study aimed to explore health care team members’understanding of the factors influencing the optimal selection of central venous access devices(CVADs).Methods:The data of the study was collected using semi-structured interviews.Twenty-six hospital medical staff(four hospital manager,15 head nurses,7 nurse)with experience in peripheral or central catheterization from four regions(Northern China,Southern China,Northwest China,and Qinghai-Tibet China)in China were interviewed between June and October 2021.Content analysis was used to analyze the data.Results:The results revealed five themes and 14 sub-themes.Patients:concerns,resources,requirements,and evaluation(security concerns,support resources,life requirements,evaluation among patients);nurses:awareness,knowledge,and popularizing methods(awareness of intravenous therapy,understanding of professional knowledge,forms of popularizing methods);doctors:support and involvement(support for decision-making,involvement in intravenous work);hospital managers:authority,quality control and continuing education(management of catheterization authority,quality control of intravenous infusion,investment in continuing education)and environment:differences and commonalities(differences in social support,and current commonalities).Conclusion:Nurses and other healthcare team members’understanding,selection,use,and recommendation of CVADs have an indirect effect on patients’decision-making.Therefore,hospital managers and government departments can indirectly strengthen medical team cooperation and improve learning education in order to improve the safety of patients receiving intravenous infusions.

Expert consensus on the clinical application of totally implantable venous access devices in the upper arm(2022 Edition)

With the widespread adoption of ultrasound guidance,Seldinger puncture techniques,and intracardiac electrical positioning technology for the placement of peripherally inserted central catheters in recent years,an increasing number of medical staff and patients now accept peripheral placement of totally implantable venous access devices(TIVADs)in the upper arm.This approach has the advantage of completely avoiding the risks of hemothorax,pneumothorax,and neck and chest scarring.Medical specialties presently engaged in this study in China include internal medicine,surgery,anesthesiology,and interventional departments.However,command over implantation techniques,treatment of complications,and proper use and maintenance of TIVAD remain uneven among different medical units.Moreover,currently,there are no established quality control standards for implantation techniques or specifications for handling complications.Thus,this expert consensus is proposed to improve the success rate of TIVAD implantation via the upper-arm approach,reduce complication rates,and ensure patient safety.This consensus elaborates on the technical indications and contraindications,procedures and technical points,treatment of complications,and the use and maintenance of upper-arm TIVAD,thus providing a practical reference for medical staff.

Upper body peripherally inserted central catheter in pediatric single ventricle patients

BACKGROUND There is risk of stenosis and thrombosis of the superior vena cava after upper extremity central catheter replacement.This complication is more serious among patients with single ventricle physiology,as it might preclude them from undergoing further life-sustaining palliative surgery.AIM To describe complications associated with the use of upper extremity percutaneous intravenous central catheters(PICCs)in children with single ventricle physiology.METHODS A single institution retrospective review of univentricular patients who underwent superior cavopulmonary anastomoses as their stage 2 palliation procedure from January 2014 until December 2018 and had upper body PICCs placed at any point prior to this procedure.Clinical data including ultrasonography,cardiac catheterization,echocardiogram reports and patient notes were used to determine the presence of thrombus or stenosis of the upper extremity and cervical vessels.Data regarding the presence and duration of upper extremity PICCs and upper extremity central venous catheter(CVC),and use of anticoagulation were recorded.RESULTS Seventy-six patients underwent superior cavopulmonary anastomoses,of which 56(73%)had an upper extremity PICC at some point prior to this procedure.Median duration of PICC usage was 24 d(25%,75%:12,39).Seventeen patients(30%)with PICCs also had internal jugular or subclavian central venous catheters(CVCs)in place at some point prior to their superior cavopulmonary anastomoses,median duration 10 d(25%,75%:8,14).Thrombus was detected in association with 2 of the 56 PICCs(4%)and 3 of the 17 CVCs(18%).All five patients were placed on therapeutic dose of low molecular weight heparin at the time of thrombus detection and subsequent cardiac catheterization demonstrated resolution in three of the five patients.No patients developed clinically significant venous stenosis.CONCLUSION Use of upper extremity PICCs in patients with single ventricle physiology prior to super cavopulmonary anastomosis is associated with a low rate of catheterassociated thrombosis.

Venous Catheterization Experimental Model in Rabbits:Histological Alterations in the Catheter Region

Central venous access is one of the most common surgery procedures worldwide, especially in pediatric surgery. Local and regional complications as the result of venous catheter permanence time are frequently described as: thrombosis, infection, edema and local cellulite, movement and loss of the catheter. Other severe complications such as endocardiac and hemorrhagic lesions are also described and considered the cause of catheter early removal. In the literature few studies have addressed vascular and perivascular lesions and complications as the result of central venous access to peripheral veins, given the difficulty of setting up venous catheterization experimental models to study blood vessels and perivascular tissue alterations after catheterization. In the present venous catheterization experimental model, rabbits were divided into two groups based on the time that the venous catheters were maintained in their veins. Group a composed of 7 New Zealand male rabbits was submitted to a 15-day treatment;and the 6 New Zealand male rabbits of group B were treated during 90 days. Both groups presented similar inflammatory conditions since there was no significant difference between groups. Therefore, the results may well suggest that the endothelial inflammatory reaction could have developed at an early initial short period and by maintaining the catheter, the inflammatory reactions would have decreased or disappeared. Aimed at studying these vascular and perivascular alterations in venous catheterization, the present study proposes an experimental rabbit model that allows the analysis of differences in local vascular and perivascular histological variations and compares histological differences between both venous catheterization groups each of them with different periods of treatment.

Point of care ultrasonography as the new“Laennec Sthetoscope”

Point of care ultrasonography(POCUS)has evolved to become the fifth pillar of the conventional physical examination,and use of POCUS protocols have significantly decreased procedure complications and time to diagnose.However,lack of experience in POCUS by preceptors in medical schools and nephrology residency programs are significant barriers to implement a broader use.In rural and low-income areas POCUS may have a transformative effect on health care management.

Central Line Associated Bloodstream Infection in Adult Intensive Care Unit Population—Changes in Epidemiology, Diagnosis, Prevention, and Addition of New Technologies

Background: Intensive care units (ICUs) have an increased risk of Central line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) due to the prevalence of invasive procedures, devices, immunosuppression, comorbidity, frailty, and elderly patients. We have seen a successful reduction in Central line associated bloodstream infection related the past decade. In spite of this, Intensive care unit-Catheter related bloodstream infections remain high. The emergence of new pathogens further complicates treatment and threatens patient outcomes in this context. In addition, the SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19) pandemic served as a reminder that an emerging pathogen poses a challenge for adjusting prevention measures regarding both the risk of exposure to caregivers and maintaining a high level of care. ICU nurses play an important role in the prevention and management of CLABSI as they are involved in basic hygienic care, quality improvement initiatives, microbiological sampling, and aspects of antimicrobial stewardship. Microbiological techniques that are more sensitive and our increased knowledge of the interactions between critically ill patients and their microbiota are forcing us to rethink how we define CLABSIs and how we can diagnose, treat, and prevent them in the ICU. The objective of this multidisciplinary expert review, focused on the ICU setting, is to summarize the recently observed occurrence of CLABSI in ICU, to consider the role of modern microbiological techniques in their diagnosis, to examine clinical and epidemiological definitions, and to redefine several controversial preventive measures including antimicrobial-impregnated catheters, chlorhexidine-gluconate impregnated sponge, and catheter dressings.

Investigation and Analysis of the Status Quo of Prevention and Control Practices of Catheter-Line Associated Bloodstream Infections (CLABSI) in Guangxi, China

The prevention and control of catheter line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) have become the key content of medical care and have become the core improvement goal of nursing quality control. However, the prevention and control status of CLABSI in hospitals of different grades in Guangxi is not clear. In this study, we aim to investigate central venous catheter (CVC) placement and disinfectant use in second and third-level hospitals in Guangxi. This survey was conducted on the second and third-level hospitals in Guangxi, China from 13th April 2021 to 19th April 2021. The results show that a total of 283 questionnaires were collected, including 206 secondary hospitals and 77 tertiary hospitals. In terms of the CVC, tertiary hospitals were able to place CVC entirely under the guidance of B-ultrasound, which was 24 (31.6%) and secondary hospitals were 26 (20.6%). In secondary hospitals, Most CVC placements were performed in operating rooms 94 (74.6%) and 65 (85.5%) on the third level hospital, but 32.5% of secondary hospitals and 48.7% of tertiary hospitals were selected at the bedside of patients in general wards, and 27.8% of the second-level hospital, 43.4% of third-level hospitals was done in general ward treatment rooms, only 61.9% of secondary hospitals and 64.5% of tertiary hospitals could fully achieve the maximum sterile barrier. In terms of skin disinfectants, only 36.0% of tertiary hospitals and 16.4% of second-level CVC-operators chose > 0.5% chlorhexidine alcohol. In conclusion, the prevention and control of catheter line-associated bloodstream infections (CLABSI) in Guangxi are not ideal. The prevention and control department should increase training, implement guidelines and standardize management to reduce the incidence of CLABSI.

Prospective Assessment of Catheter Migration in Implanted Vascular Access Devices for Adjuvant Colorectal Cancer Chemotherapy

Background: Chemotherapy in colorectal cancer is usually administered as continuous infusion of 5-fluorouracil, often in combination with oxaliplatin or irinotecan. Targeted drugs are most efficient and tolerable in conjunction with continuous infusion dosing. Implanted venous access devices (VAD) are the prerequisite for continuous infusion administration. The reported catheter migration frequency with VAD is 0% - 3.5%. The purpose of this case-control study was to evaluate the predisposing factors of catheter migration. Methods: We inserted VADs in 88 radically operated colorectal cancer patients randomized to adjuvant 48-hour-infusion chemotherapy repeated every 14 days, altogether 12 times over 24 weeks. Three out of 88 patients (3.4%) had a symptomatic catheter migration from the superior caval vein into the internal jugular vein. The fourth case had chemotherapy for osteosarcoma. These 4 cases were compared with 12 controls from the same 88 patient study population, matched for age, sex, body mass index (BMI), physical activity level and right subclavian insertion site. Tip position, port model, complications, catheter length and material was studied. The post insertion catheter tip position in the chest X-ray was numbered from 1 (in subclavia) to 8 (in atrium). Results: The four cases, all male, had a median position of 3 (range 3 - 4) and controls 6 (range 4 - 8), P = 0.004, median difference 3 (CI95% 1 - 5). At notification of migration the patients had experienced discomfort in the neck region starting 5 to15 days before at strenuous upper extremities activity with Valsalva maneuvers. Conclusion: Optimal catheter tip position when sitting is in the right atrium or low in the superior vena cava to avoid migration. Patients with VADs should avoid strenuous activity with Valsalva maneuvers.