Establishment and validation of a predictive model for peripherally inserted central catheter-related thrombosis in patients with liver cancer

BACKGROUND Peripherally inserted central catheters(PICCs)are commonly used in hospitalized patients with liver cancer for the administration of chemotherapy,nutrition,and other medications.However,PICC-related thrombosis is a serious complication that can lead to morbidity and mortality in this patient population.Several risk factors have been identified for the development of PICC-related thrombosis,including cancer type,stage,comorbidities,and catheter characteristics.Understanding these risk factors and developing a predictive model can help healthcare providers identify high-risk patients and implement preventive measures to reduce the incidence of thrombosis.AIM To analyze the influencing factors of PICC-related thrombosis in hospitalized patients with liver cancer,construct a predictive model,and validate it.METHODS Clinical data of hospitalized patients with liver cancer admitted from January 2020 to December 2023 were collected.Thirty-five cases of PICC-related thrombosis in hospitalized patients with liver cancer were collected,and 220 patients who underwent PICC placement during the same period but did not develop PICC-related thrombosis were randomly selected as controls.A total of 255 samples were collected and used as the training set,and 77 cases were collected as the validation set in a 7:3 ratio.General patient information,case data,catheterization data,coagulation indicators,and Autar Thrombosis Risk Assessment Scale scores were analyzed.Univariate and multivariate unconditional logistic regression analyses were performed on relevant factors,and the value of combined indicators in predicting PICC-related thrombosis in hospitalized patients with liver cancer was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis.RESULTS Univariate analysis showed statistically significant differences(P<0.05)in age,sex,Karnofsky performance status score(KPS),bedridden time,activities of daily living impairment,parenteral nutrition,catheter duration,distant metastasis,and bone marrow suppression between the thrombosis group and the non-thrombosis group.Other aspects had no statistically significant differences(P>0.05).Multivariate regression analysis showed that age≥60 years,KPS score≤50 points,parenteral nutrition,stage III to IV,distant metastasis,bone marrow suppression,and activities of daily living impairment were independent risk factors for PICC-related thrombosis in hospitalized patients with liver cancer(P<0.05).Catheter duration of 1-6 months and catheter duration>6 months were protective factors for PICC-related thrombosis(P<0.05).The predictive model for PICC-related thrombosis was obtained as follows:P predictive probability=[exp(Logit P)]/[1+exp(Logit P)],where Logit P=age×1.907+KPS score×2.045+parenteral nutrition×9.467+catheter duration×0.506+tumor-node-metastasis(TNM)staging×2.844+distant metastasis×2.065+bone marrow suppression×2.082+activities of daily living impairment×13.926.ROC curve analysis showed an area under the curve(AUC)of 0.827(95%CI:0.724-0.929,P<0.001),with a corresponding optimal cut-off value of 0.612,sensitivity of 0.755,and specificity of 0.857.Calibration curve analysis showed good consistency between the predicted occurrence of PICC-related thrombosis and actual occurrence(P>0.05).ROC analysis showed AUCs of 0.888 and 0.729 for the training and validation sets,respectively.CONCLUSION Age,KPS score,parenteral nutrition,TNM staging,distant metastasis,bone marrow suppression,and activities of daily living impairment are independent risk factors for PICC-related thrombosis in hospitalized patients with liver cancer,while catheter duration is a protective factor for the disease.The predictive model has an AUC of 0.827,indicating high predictive accuracy and clinical value.

Lower extremity peripherally inserted central catheter placement ectopic to the ascending lumbar vein:A case report

BACKGROUND Peripherally inserted central catheters(PICCs)are an essential infusion route for oncology patients receiving intravenous treatments,but lower extremity veni-puncture is the preferred technique for patients with superior vena cava syndrome(SVCS).We report the case of a patient with a lower extremity PICC ectopic to the ascending lumbar vein,to indicate and verify PICC catheterisation in the lower extremity is safe and feasible.And hope to provide different per-spectives for clinical PICC venipuncture to get the attention of peers.CASE SUMMARY On 24 August 2022,a 58-year-old male was admitted to our department due to an intermittent cough persisting for over a month,which worsened 10 d prior.Imaging and laboratory investigations suggested the patient with pulmonary malignancy and SVCS.Chemotherapy was not an absolute contraindication in this patient.Lower extremity venipuncture is the preferred technique because administering upper extremity venous transfusion to patients with SVCS can exacerbate oedema in the head,neck,and upper extremities.The patient and his family were informed about the procedure,and informed consent was obtained.After successful puncture and prompt treatment,the patient was discharged,experiencing some relief from symptoms.CONCLUSION Inferior vena cava catheterisation is rare and important for cancer patients with SVCS,particularly in complex situations involving ectopic placement.

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.

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.

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.

Focus on peripherally inserted central catheters in critically ill patients

Venous access devices are of pivotal importance for an increasing number of critically ill patients in a variety of disease states and in a variety of clinical settings(emergency, intensive care, surgery) and for different purposes(fluids or drugs infusions, parenteral nutrition, antibiotic therapy, hemodynamic monitoring, procedures of dialysis/apheresis). However, healthcare professionals are commonly worried about the possible consequences that may result using a central venous access device(CVAD)(mainly, bloodstream infections and thrombosis), both peripherally inserted central catheters(PICCs) and centrally inserted central catheters(CICCs). This review aims to discuss indications, insertion techniques, and care of PICCs in critically ill patients. PICCs have many advantages over standard CICCs. First of all, their insertion is easy and safe-due to their placement into peripheral veins of the armand the advantage of a central location of catheter tip suitable for all osmolarity and p H solutions. Using the ultrasound-guidance for the PICC insertion, the risk of hemothorax and pneumothorax can be avoided, as wellas the possibility of primary malposition is very low. PICC placement is also appropriate to avoid post-procedural hemorrhage in patients with an abnormal coagulative state who need a CVAD. Some limits previously ascribed to PICCs(i.e., low flow rates, difficult central venous pressure monitoring, lack of safety for radio-diagnostic procedures, single-lumen) have delayed their start up in the intensive care units as common practice. Though, the recent development of power-injectable PICCs overcomes these technical limitations and PICCs have started to spread in critical care settings. Two important take-home messages may be drawn from this review. First, the incidence of complications varies depending on venous accesses and healthcare professionals should be aware of the different clinical performance as well as of the different risks associated with each type of CVAD(CICCs or PICCs). Second, an inappropriate CVAD choice and, particularly, an inadequate insertion technique are relevant-and often not recognized-potential risk factors for complications in critically ill patients. We strongly believe that all healthcare professionals involved in the choice, insertion or management of CVADs in critically ill patients should know all potential risk factors of complications. This knowledge may minimize complications and guarantee longevity to the CVAD optimizing the risk/benefit ratio of CVAD insertion and use. Proper management of CVADs in critical care saves lines and lives. Much evidence from the medical literature and from the clinical practice supports our belief that, compared to CICCs, the so-called power-injectable peripherally inserted central catheters are a good alternative choice in critical care.

Clinical analysis of central venous catheter-related infections in patients in the emergency ICU

BACKGROUND:Catheter-related infection(CRI)of the central vein is a common cause of nosocomial infection.This study was undertaken to investigate the pathogen culturing and risk factors of CRI in emergency intensive care unit(EICU)in order to provide the beneficial reference.METHODS:From January 2008 to December 2010,a total of 1 363 patients were subjected to catheterization.In these patients,the peak CRI rate of the patients was determined by bacterial cultivation and blood bacterial cultivation.RESULTS:CRI happened in 147 of the 1 363 patients using the central venous catheter.The peak rate of CRI was 10.79%,with an incidence of 3.05 episodes per 1 000 catheter days.Of the147 patients,46.94%had gram-negative bacilli,40.14%had gram-positive cocci,and 12.92%had fungi.Unconditional logistic regression analysis suggests that multiple catheterization,femoral vein catheterization,the application of multicavity catheter,and the duration of catheterization were the independent risk factors for CRI.CONCLUSION:The risk factors for catheter-related infections should be controlled to prevent the occurrence of nosocomial infection.

Delayed cardiac tamponade diagnosed by point-of-care ultrasound in a neonate after peripherally inserted central catheter placement: A case report

BACKGROUND Peripherally inserted central catheters(PICCs)have been increasingly applied worldwide owing to many advantages.Even with these advantages,the related complications should not be ignored,especially in neonates.The available evidence about PICC-related thrombosis was manifold,but the cardiac tamponade,an emergency and life-threatening complication,has been rarely reported.Early recognized cardiac tamponade by ultrasound may reduce mortality.CASE SUMMARY A neonate weighting 2.8 kg was born at 40 wk of gestation.He was admitted to the Surgery Intensive Care Unit due to suspected congenital megacolon.A PICC line was inserted via the left antecubital fossa for the administration of total parenteral nutrition.Three days later,the patient was still on total parenteral nutrition.Cardiac tamponade caused by PICC was found on ultrasound.The patient recovered spontaneously after an emergency pericardiocentesis.CONCLUSION Proficiency in the use of point-of-care ultrasound may save the life of patients,since it enables clinicians to treat patients faster,more accurately,and in a noninvasive way at the point of care.

Diagnosis and treatment of peripherally inserted central catheters(PICC)-related sepsis in breast cancer patients carrying PICC catheter for chemotherapy

Objective:The aim of our research was to study the incidence,clinical diagnosis and treatment of peripherally inserted central catheters(PICC)-related sepsis in breast cancer patients carrying PICC catheter for chemotherapy.Methods:The data of the incidence,diagnosis and treatment of PICC-related sepsis in 215 cases of breast cancer patients carrying PICC catheter for chemotherapy in our hospital from August,2009 to September,2011 were analyzed retrospectively.Results:216 PICCs had been successfully applied in 215 cases of breast cancer patients and followed for a total of 19,109 catheter days,(median catheterization duration,88.9 days,range 1-212 days).Among those,3(1.39%) PICCs were removed respectively as a result of PICC-related sepsis in 29,73 and 108 catheter-days(median 70 d),with a rate of 0.16 per 1000 catheter-days.Conclusion:Chemotherapeutic treatment via PICC for breast cancer patients is one of the most secure and effective measures but there exists small number of cases in which PICC catheter related sepsis is possible.Careful observation of relevant symptoms and signs,early diagnosis and treatment,not relying completely on blood culture tests and timely removal of PICC catheter can be very effective in treating PICC-related sepsis in these patients.

Arterial embolism caused by a peripherally inserted central catheter in a very premature infant:A case report and literature review

BACKGROUND Extremely premature infants have poor vascular conditions.Operators often choose deep veins such as the femoral vein and axillary vein to peripherally insert central catheters,and these vessels are often accompanied by arteries;thus,it is easy to mistakenly enter the artery.CASE SUMMARY The case of an extremely premature infant(born at gestational age 28+3)in whom the left upper extremity artery was accidentally entered during peripheral puncture of the central venous catheter is reported.On the 19th day of hospitalization,the index finger,middle finger and ring finger of the left hand were rosy,the left radial artery and brachial artery pulse were palpable,the recovery was 95%,and the improvement was obvious.At discharge 42 d after admission,there was no abnormality in fingertip activity during the follow-up period.CONCLUSION Arterial embolization in preterm infants requires an individualized treatment strategy combined with local anticoagulation and 2%nitroglycerin ointment for local tissue damage caused by arterial embolism in the upper limb.Continuous visualization of disease changes using image visualization increases the likelihood of a good outcome.

An Unusual Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) Fractured <i>in Vivo</i>with Embolization Happened in a Child: A Case Report

We report a case of a 7-year-old child who received a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) for chemotherapy. He suffered from an unusual PICC fracture in vivo with pulmonary embolism after eight circles of chemotherapeutic agents administered. In this case report, we review the literatures for the underlying pathophysiology of this uncommon phenomenon. IV nurses should consider the possibility of the infusion dysfunction deriving from the PICC line fractured. Accurate tip catheter placement and specific care may reduce morbidity.

Patient Satisfaction with and Acceptance of Their Totally-Implanted Central Venous Catheter: Construction and First Validation of a Questionnaire

Rationale: Most cancer patients require a totally-implanted Central Venous Catheter (CVC) for their treatment. We develop and validate a French-language questionnaire dubbed QASICC (Questionnaire for Acceptance of and Satisfaction with Implanted Central Venous Catheter) assessing patient satisfaction with and acceptance of their CVC.?Method: The construction and first validation of the questionnaire was made using validated methodology consisting in four phases. Phase 1 aimed at collecting a comprehensive list of relevant items. Phase 2 consisted in converting items into questions followed by a first item selection procedure. Phase 3 tested the acceptance of the provisional module to a small number of patients. Phase 4 involved a first validation on patients to determine its psychometric characteristics.?Results: Responses to the questionnaire were collected from 215 patients. The final tool included 27 questions assessing seven dimensions: pain, contribution to the comfort of the treatment, esthetics and privacy, impact on professional activities, social and sports, impact on daily activities, local discomfort and overall satisfaction.Conclusions: This first statistical validation seems very promising and allows us to confirm the structure and the psychometric properties of the tool. Further validation studies are required on standard and specific populations in order to confirm these first results.

Prevention of peripherally inserted central catheter-related infections in very low-birthweight infants by using a central line bundle guideline with a standard checklist

Objective:To investigate the effectiveness and feasibility of using a central line bundle(CLB)guideline with a standard checklist in the prevention of peripherally inserted central catheter(PICC)-related infections(CRIs)in very low-birth-weight infants(VLBWIs).Methods:Fifty-seven VLBWIs who underwent PICC insertion at a hospital in Qingdao,China,between November 2012 and June 2013,were monitored with the CLB guideline and a standard checklist.Fifty-three VLBWIs who underwent PICC insertion were monitored by standard hospital procedures.The incidence of CRIs was compared between the two groups.Results:The incidence of infection significantly decreased from 10.0%catheter days in the control group to 2.2%catheter days in the study group(p<0.05).The indwelling catheter time significantly increased in the study group compared to the control group(31.9±15.0days vs.24.8±7.4 days,respectively,p<0.05).Colonization infections also decreased from 6.9% catheter days in the control group to 2.2%catheter days in the study group(p<0.05).The incidence of catheter-related bloodstream infections decreased from 3.1%catheter days in the control group to 0%catheter days in the study group.Conclusion:The use of a CLB guideline with a standard checklist could be an effective and feasible protocol for preventing CRIs and prolonging indwelling catheter timein VLBWIs.

Study progress on relevant infection in central venous catheter led by parenteral nutrition of patients with tumor

With the wide application of parental nutrition(PN) and central venous catheter(CVC) to tumor patients, the relative infection led by CVC has become a common and troublesome hospital infection in clinics. During infusion, PN fluid forms a high-sugar and high-fat micro-environment around CVC, facilitating the adhesion, growth, and diffusion of pathogenic bacteria. This condition forms a bacterial biofilm(BF) consisting of one or several kinds of pathogenic bacteria. Upon formation of the film, pathogens in the BF can resist anti-bacterial drugs and immune cells, causing repeated infections of bacteria or fungi and endangering the lives of patients. In this paper, we summarize the applications of PN, characteristics of CVC infection in tumor patients, mixed BF, and related research methods to provide reference for studies of mixed BF infection of CVC.

Peripherally inserted central catheter placement in neonates with persistent left superior vena cava: Report of eight cases

BACKGROUND Reports on peripherally inserted central catheter(PICC)placement in neonates with persistent left superior vena cava(PLSVC)are rare.The majority of PLSVC patients have no clinical symptoms or hemodynamic changes,which are usually detected during cardiac catheterization,cardiac pacemaker implantation,or PICC placement.However,in neonates with PLSVC,PICC placement can be challenging.Here,we report PICC placement in eight neonates with PLSVC.CASE SUMMARY This article introduces the concept of the“TIMB”bundle.After PICC implantation,we found PLSVC in all eight patients.The key points of care regarding PICC placement in neonates with PLSVC included“TIMB”,where“T”indicates a reasonable choice of the catheterization time,“I”refers to a retrospective analysis of imaging data before catheterization,“M”refers to correct measurement of the body surface length,and“B”indicates that the tip of the PICC is placed in the middle and lower 1/3 of the left superior vena cava under the guidance of B-ultrasound.CONCLUSION“TIMB”is a bundle for PICC placement in neonates,especially for those with PLSVC.Using this new approach can improve the first-attempt success rate of PICC placement,reveal cardiovascular abnormalities in advance,allow the selection of different measurement methods reasonably according to the puncture site,and finally,improve the accuracy of catheter positioning through the use of B-ultrasound guidance.

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.

Analysis of Use and Outcomes of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC-Line) in Hemato-Oncological Patients

Aims: To audit the use and outcomes of using PICC lines in hemato-oncological patients. Objectives: To study the demographics of patients: ?studying the use of PICC line in hemato-oncological patients;studying the rate of complications in PICC line;studying the cause of early removal of PICC line. Methods: All PICCs inserted in adult hemato-oncological patients in Hematology and Medical Oncology Department of Health Care Global (HCG) Hospital were studied prospectively, as per the proforma, till PICCs were removed or patient expired and the pattern of complications were noted. Results: Eighty-four PICCs were inserted over a period of initial nine months and followed for a total of 1 year with three months post insertion duration for a total of 10,868 catheter-days (mean of 129 days i.e. 4.3 months, range: 1 to 288 days). The most common indication for PICC was chemotherapy (100%). Among them 19 (22%) PICCs had complications and 12 were removed at the rate of 1.1/1000 PICC-days. Complications with haematologic malignancies were more as compared to those with solid tissue malignancies. Conclusions: Despite significant complication rates, PICCs are a relatively safe and cost effective mode of establishing central venous access.

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.

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.