RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: In the daily management of peripheral venous access, the health emergency linked to the COVID-19 pandemic led to re-examining the criteria for choosing, positioning and maintaining the different types of peripheral venous access. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to observe the dwell time of long peripheral cannula (LPC, also known as mini-midline) in patients affected by COVID 19 related pneumonia. The secondary objective is to study any complications due to mini-midline insertion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We conducted a prospective observational study on COVID19 patients who arrived at our Semi-Intensive Respiratory Unit from territorial ED between January and April 2021, to whom were positioned an LPC at the time of admission following the SIPUA protocol (Safe Insertion of Peripheral Ultrasound-guided Access). We used Vygon™ Leader-Cath© 18G in polyethylene and 8 cm long catheter. RESULTS: We enrolled 53 consecutive patients, reaching 769 catheter days. The procedure was performed without immediate complications in 37 patients out of 53 (69.8%). In 14 patients (26.4%), we observed a local hematoma (no one led to a failure or early removal of the device) and in two patients (3.7%) was not possible to draw blood. The average catheter dwell time was 14.5 days, from 3 to 41 days. In 42 patients (79.2%), the device was removed at the end of use. In 11 patients out of 53 (20.8%), the device was removed early due to complications: seven accidental removals, one obstruction, two vein thrombosis, and one superficial thrombophlebitis. CONCLUSIONS: The ultrasound-guided implantation of an 18G LPC in COVID19 patients, regardless of the state of their venous heritage, would seem to be an excellent strategy for these patients, reducing the number of venipunctures and CVC implantation, as well as allowing multiple and high pressure (contrast) infusions.
RESUMEN
BACKGROUND: "Difficult intravenous access" patients represent a challenge within an emergency department as they often require many attempts to insert a peripheral short cannula in the emergency room or during the whole hospitalization. This can lead to many problems in terms of patient discomfort, increase of cost, and prolonged treatment time. OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to reduce the number of attempts needed for a short-cannula insertion or preventing insertion of a central vascular access by placing an ultrasound-guided long cannula during the emergency department visit. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The insertion of mini-midline was monitored within an emergency room in 50 patients considered difficult intravenous access patients, who failed two attempts at peripheral venous access insertion and/or required the use of an alternative vascular device. RESULTS: A total of 46 patients out of 50 were monitored. In 38 (82%) patients, the device was removed due to the end of the indication, and in six of them, it was replaced by a central venous catheter. Two devices were left inside even after discharge and were then removed at the end of indication. In eight (17%) patients, the device was removed due to accidental removal (4) and malfunction (4). In all the cases, the average duration of the insertion procedure was 10 min. The mean dwell time accounted to 7 and 9 days. CONCLUSION: The insertion of a mini-midline as part of the first emergency room visit in selected patients is a rapid, safe, and cost-effective procedure, which can provide the patient with stable venous access during the all hospitalization time.