Cephalic Vein Cut-Down Method for Totally Implantable Venous Access Ports: A Single-Institution Experience.

BACKGROUND: The widespread use of chemotherapies has increased the need for totally implantable venous access ports (TIVAPs). Previously, the subclavian puncture approach with the landmark technique was the most used implantation method; however, it has been related to early complications such as pneumothorax, hemothorax, and arterial puncture. Therefore, a safer implantation method is required. This study aimed to assess the safety and efficacy of the cephalic vein cut-down method used in our institution. METHODS: Patients who underwent TIVAPs implantation using the cephalic vein cut-down method as the first choice between January 1, 2018, and December 31, 2020, were included in this study. We retrospectively evaluated the technical success rates, operation times, and early complications. RESULTS: This study included 221 adult patients (men, 129; women, 92), with a mean age of 68 ± 11 years. The mean body mass index (BMI) was 21 ± 4 kg/m2. A total of 213 patients (96.4%) had malignant tumors that required chemotherapy. The mean postoperative follow-up period was 659 ± 442 days (range, 5-1,698 days). A total of 127 patients (57.5%) died during the follow-up period. The technical success rate was 86.4% (191/221). There were 30 failures, 24 of which were converted to the subclavian vein puncture approach. The mean operation time was 53 ± 21 min. Early complications were observed in 4 (1.8%) patients, corresponding to an incidence of 0.028 complications/1,000 catheter days. One patient had an unintended arterial puncture; however, it was not a result of the cephalic vein cut-down method but a secondary result of the subclavian vein puncture. No complications of pneumothorax, hemothorax, or arterial puncture were observed with the cephalic vein cut-down method. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the cephalic vein cut-down method for TIVAPs had an acceptable success rate and fewer early complications than the conventional puncture techniques.

Ultrasound-based prediction of cephalic vein cutdown success prior to totally implantable venous access device placement.

BACKGROUND: Surgical venous cutdown is a method for totally implantable venous access device (TIVAD) insertion. The main drawback of this technique is its higher failure rate when compared with the percutaneous approach, which is mostly related to anatomic variations of the cephalic vein. The aim of this study was to assess preoperative ultrasound imaging as a tool to predict cephalic vein cutdown failure for TIVAD insertion. METHODS: Ultrasound and operative reports of a cohort of patients undergoing TIVAD insertion by cephalic vein cutdown were reviewed. Ultrasound venous (vein visibility, diameter, length, subcutaneous depth, vein path, and subclavian junction visibility) and patient variables were tested by logistic regression as predictors of TIVAD insertion failure. RESULTS: One hundred sixty consecutive patients underwent cephalic vein cutdown for attempted TIVAD insertion. An inability to visualize the vein on the preoperative ultrasound examination (odds ratio, 4.39; 95% confidence interval, 1.57-12.30; P < .05) and depth of the vein (odds ratio, 1.07; 95% confidence interval, 1.00-1.15; P = .042) were predictors of failure of TIVAD insertion by cephalic vein cutdown. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative ultrasound examination allows identifying patients at risk of failure of TIVAD insertion by cephalic vein cutdown. Preoperative ultrasound examination constitutes an efficient tool for choosing the most appropriate surgical approach and improving patient comfort.

Prediction of Acute Postoperative Pain from Assessment of Pain Associated With Venous Cannulation.

BACKGROUND: It has previously been reported that venous cannulation-induced pain (VCP) can be used to predict acute postoperative pain after laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Patients rating VCP at ≥2.0 VAS units had 3.4 times higher risk for moderate or severe pain. The purpose of this study was to evaluate if VCP scores of ≥2.0 VAS units are associated with higher risk for acute postoperative pain after various common surgical procedures. METHODS: In a prospective clinical observational study, 600 male and female 18- to 80-year-old patients scheduled for elective surgery were included. The primary outcome measure was the difference in maximum postoperative pain intensity between low responders (VCP < 2.0) and high responders (VCP ≥ 2.0) to VCP. Secondary outcome measures were the difference in proportion of patients with moderate or severe postoperative pain between low and high responders, and potential influence of age, gender, and preoperative habitual pain. RESULTS: Patients scoring VCP ≥2.0 VAS units reported higher acute postoperative pain intensity levels than those scoring VCP <2.0 VAS units (median 3.0 [interquartile range 0.0 to 5.0] vs. 0.2 [interquartile range 0.0 to 4.0], P = 0.001), and also had 1.7 times higher risk for moderate or severe postoperative pain (P = 0.005). Moderate or severe postoperative pain was reported by 38% of patients with VCP scores of ≥2.0 VAS units and by 26% with VCP scores of <2.0 VAS units (P = 0.005). CONCLUSION: Scoring of VCP intensity before surgery, requiring no specific equipment or training, is useful to predict individual risks for moderate or severe postoperative pain, regardless of patient age or gender, in a setting involving different kinds of surgery.

A Prospective, Comparative Evaluation on Totally Implantable Venous Access Devices by External Jugular Vein versus Cephalic Vein Cutdown.

The request for totally implantable venous access devices (TIVADs) has rapidly grown up through the last decades. TIVADs are implanted by direct vein puncture or by surgical approach with vein cutdown. The authors present a comparative prospective study evaluating external jugular vein (EJV) and cephalic vein cutdown techniques. Two hundred and fifteen patients were consecutively submitted to TIVAD implantation to perform chemotherapy. Patients were divided in two groups, depending on the implantation technique. Group A patients (106) underwent implantation via EJV cutdown and group B (109) patients underwent implantation by cephalic vein cutdown. The following variables were investigated: operating time, need for conversion to other approaches, complications, and intraoperative and postoperative pain. In Group A patients, the success rate of the procedure was 100 per cent, whereas in 11 patients (10.1%) of Group B, a modification of the initial approach was needed. Mean operative time was 23.9 ± 9.2 minutes in Group A and 35.4 ± 11.9 in Group B, and this was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Complication rates at 30 days were similar. Considering intraoperative pain, a difference was found between the two groups because the mean value of pain in Group A was lower than that in Group B (4.13 ± 0.3 vs 5.22 ± 1.24), even if not significant. External jugular vein cutdown approach is quick and safe and allows a very high success rate with very low risk of complications. For these reasons, this approach could be considered as a first choice in TIVAD placement.

Long-term clinical outcomes of the single-incision technique for implantation of implantable venous access ports via the axillary vein.

PURPOSE: To evaluate long-term clinical outcomes and complications of the single-incision technique for implantation of totally implantable venous access ports (TIVAPs) via the axillary vein. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 932 TIVAPs were placed in 927 patients between May 2012 and October 2014 using a single-incision technique. Patients included 620 men and 307 women with a mean age of 60.0 years. TIVAPs were placed via the left (n = 475) and right (n = 457) axillary veins after making a single oblique vertical incision and medial side pocket without subcutaneous tunneling. We retrospectively reviewed medical records to evaluate status of the patients and TIVAPs, complications, and reasons for explantation. In patients who still had a TIVAP in place, we calculated the duration of TIVAP use from the cut-off day of November 1, 2015. RESULTS: Clinical follow-up was obtained for a total device service period of 311,069 days with a median indwelling time of 467 days (range: 3-1097 days). A total of 37 (4.0%) complications developed. Early complications (n = 4) were one case each of stenosis of the brachiocephalic vein by tumor growth, thrombosis of axillary vein, intravascular migration, and malfunction depending on patient's position. Late complications (n = 33) were suspected catheter-related blood stream infection (n = 23), local infection of the pocket (n = 4), symptomatic stenosis and thrombosis of central vein (n = 4), malfunction by fibrin sleeve (n = 1), and intravascular migration (n = 1). CONCLUSIONS: A single-incision technique for TIVAP implantation via the axillary vein seems to be safe with a low risk of complication.

[Control study of total percutaneous access with preclose technique versus open femoral artery exposure for endovascular aneurysm repair].

OBJECTIVE: To compare total percutaneous access using preclose technique with femoral artery cut-down in endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR) and assess the safety and feasibility of preclose technique. METHODS: In the study, 81 cases undergoing EVAR from Dec. 2011 to Nov. 2014 in Peking University People's Hospital were retrospectively reviewed. Preoperative CT angiography (CTA) showed presence of infrarenal abdominal aortic aneurysm or descending aortic aneurysm in all the cases. The maximum diameter of aneurysm >4.5 cm met the indications for surgical treatment. The conditions of bilateral femoral artery and iliac artery CTA showed were good, and there was no moderate or severe stenosis, nor was there any severe calcification in anterior wall of femoral artery. Not only were the cases fit for percutaneous endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (PEVAR), but also feasible with open endovascular aneurysm repair (OEVAR). According to the intention of the patients about the surgical incision, the cases were divided into group PEVAR and group OEVAR. The data of the general situation, operation time, blood loss, technical success rate, length of hospital stay after procedure and wound complications were analyzed statistically. RESULTS: In the study, 44 cases (78 incisions) were enrolled in group PEVAR and 37 cases (65 incisions) in group OEVAR. There was no significant difference between the two groups in age, gender, body mass index (BMI), accompanying diseases, average number of stents and outer diameter of stent delivery system. Average operation time of group PEVAR was less than that of group OEVAR [(119.1±102.0) min vs. (163.6±61.9) min, P=0.025]. The blood loss in group PEVAR was less than that in group OEVAR [(64.7±97.0) mL vs. (98.6±88.3) mL], but there was no significant difference (P=0.106). There was no difference in the technical success rate (94.9% vs.95.4%, P=1.000). The average length of hospital stay after procedure was significantly shorter in group PEVAR [(7.8±2.8) d vs.(12.3±7.2) d, P<0.001]. There were 2 cases with subcutaneous hematoma of wound in group PEVAR and 7 cases of wound complications that occurred in group OEVAR including 3 cases with lymphatic leakage, 3 cases with lower limb ischemia and 1 case with subcutaneous hematoma. The analysis showed that PEVAR could reduce the wound complications (2.6%vs.10.8%), but there was no significant difference between the two groups (P=0.079). CONCLUSION: Using preclose technique in EVAR is safe and effective. It can shorten the operation time and length of hospital stay after procedure.

Venous cutdown versus the Seldinger technique for placement of totally implantable venous access ports.

BACKGROUND: Totally implantable venous access ports (TIVAPs) provide patients with a safe and permanent venous access, for instance in the administration of chemotherapy for oncology patients. There are several methods for TIVAP placement, and the optimal evidence-based method is unclear. OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy and safety of three commonly used techniques for implanting TIVAPs: the venous cutdown technique, the Seldinger technique, and the modified Seldinger technique. This review includes studies that use Doppler or real-time two-dimensional ultrasonography for locating the vein in the Seldinger technique. SEARCH METHODS: The Cochrane Vascular Trials Search Co-ordinator searched the Cochrane Vascular Specialised Register (last searched August 2015) and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (2015, Issue 7), as well as clinical trials registers. SELECTION CRITERIA: We included randomised or quasi-randomised controlled clinical trials that randomly allocated people requiring TIVAP to the venous cutdown, Seldinger, or modified Seldinger technique. Two review authors independently assessed studies for inclusion eligibility, with a third review author checking excluded studies. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS: Two review authors independently extracted data. We assessed all studies for risk of bias. We assessed heterogeneity using Chi(2) statistic and variance (I(2)statistic) methods. Dichotomous outcomes, summarised as odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence interval (CI), were: primary implantation success, complications (in particular infection), pneumothorax, and catheter complications. We conducted separate analyses to assess the two access veins, subclavian and internal jugular (IJ) vein, in the Seldinger technique versus the venous cutdown technique. We used both intention-to-treat (ITT) and on-treatment analyses and pooled data using a fixed-effect model. MAIN RESULTS: We included nine studies with a total of 1253 participants in the review. Five studies compared Seldinger technique (subclavian vein access) with venous cutdown technique (cephalic vein access). Two studies compared Seldinger (IJ vein) versus venous cutdown (cephalic vein). One study compared the modified Seldinger technique (cephalic vein) with the venous cutdown (cephalic vein), and one study compared the Seldinger (subclavian vein) versus the Seldinger (IJ vein) technique.Seldinger technique (subclavian or IJ vein access) versus venous cutdown (cephalic vein): We included seven trials with 1006 participants for analysis. Both ITT (OR 0.40; 95% CI 0.25 to 0.65) and on-treatment analysis (OR 0.59; 95% CI 0.36 to 0.98) showed that the Seldinger technique for implantation of TIVAP had a higher success rate compared with the venous cutdown technique. We found no difference between overall peri- and postoperative complication rates: ITT (OR 1.16; 95% CI 0.76 to 1.75) and on-treatment analysis (OR 0.93; 95% CI 0.62 to 1.40). In the Seldinger group, the majority of the trials reported use of the subclavian vein for venous access, with only a limited number of trials utilising the IJ vein for access. When individual complication rates of infection, pneumothorax, and catheter complications were analysed, the Seldinger technique (subclavian vein access) was associated with a higher rate of catheter complications compared to the venous cutdown technique: ITT (OR 6.77; 95% CI 2.31 to 19.79) and on-treatment analysis (OR 6.62; 95% CI 2.24 to 19.58). There was no difference in incidence of infections, pneumothorax, and other complications between the groups.Modified Seldinger technique (cephalic vein) versus venous cutdown (cephalic vein): We identified one trial with 164 participants. ITT analysis showed no difference in primary implantation success rate between the modified Seldinger technique (69/82, 84%) and the venous cutdown technique (66/82, 80%), P = 0.686. We observed no differences in the peri- or postoperative complication rates.Seldinger (subclavian vein access) versus Seldinger (IJ vein access): We identified one trial with 83 participants. The primary success rate was 84% (37/44) for Seldinger (subclavian vein) versus 74% (29/39) for the Seldinger (IJ vein). There was a higher overall complication rate in the subclavian group (48%) compared to the jugular group (23%), P = 0.02. However, when specific complications were compared individually, we found no differences between the groups.The overall quality of the trials included in this review was moderate. The methods used for randomisation were inadequate in four of the nine included studies, but sensitivity analysis excluding these trials did not alter the outcome. The nature of the interventions, either venous cutdown or Seldinger techniques, meant that it was not feasible to blind the participant or personnel, therefore we judged this to be at low risk of bias. The majority of participants in the included trials were oncology patients at tertiary centres, and the outcomes were applicable to the typical clinical scenario. For all outcomes, when comparing venous cutdown and Seldinger technique, serious imprecision was evident by wide confidence intervals in the included trials. The quality of the overall evidence was therefore downgraded from high to moderate. Due to the limited number of included studies we were unable to assess publication bias. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS: Moderate-quality evidence showed that the Seldinger technique has a higher primary implantation success rate compared with the venous cutdown technique. The majority of trials using the Seldinger technique used the subclavian vein for venous access, and only a few trials reported the use of the internal jugular vein for venous access. Moderate-quality evidence showed no difference in the overall complication rate between the Seldinger and venous cutdown techniques. However, when the Seldinger technique with subclavian vein access was compared with the venous cutdown group, there was a higher reported incidence of catheter complications. The rates of pneumothorax and infection did not differ between the Seldinger and venous cutdown group. We identified only one trial for each of the comparisons modified Seldinger technique (cephalic vein) versus venous cutdown (cephalic vein) and Seldinger (subclavian vein access) versus Seldinger (IJ vein access), thus a definitive conclusion cannot be drawn for these comparisons and further research is recommended.

Evaluation of totally implantable central venous access devices with the cephalic vein cut-down approach: Usefulness of preoperative ultrasonography.

BACKGROUND: The aims of this retrospective study, were to evaluate totally implantable central venous access device (TICVAD) implantation and to validate the efficacy of preoperative ultrasonography. METHODS: A total of 380 cases implanted with TICVADs were divided into four groups: cut-downs with ultrasonography (group A, n = 112); cut-downs without ultrasonography (group B, n = 37); venous puncture (group C, n = 122); and replacements using the existing catheter (group D, n = 109). Operation time, completion rate, and complications were compared. RESULTS: The average operating time was 41.7, 52.4, and 40.6 min in groups A, B (P < 0.01), and C, respectively. Group A and B experienced no postoperative pneumothorax, arterial puncture, or pinch-off syndrome. Completion rates were 93.7% in group A and 86.5% in group B. Preoperative ultrasonography identified the cephalic vein in 94.1% of subjects with an average diameter of 3.1 mm and depth of 10.2 mm. Identifying convergence of the cephalic vein and the axillary vein improved the completion rate. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the cephalic vein cut-down approach for TICVAD implantation reduced complications. Preoperative ultrasonography resulted in a shorter operating time and higher completion rate.

The Treatment Results of a Standard Algorithm for Choosing the Best Entry Vessel for Intravenous Port Implantation.

Vascular cutdown and echo guide puncture methods have its own limitations under certain conditions. There was no available algorithm for choosing entry vessel. A standard algorithm was introduced to help choose the entry vessel location according to our clinical experience and review of the literature. The goal of this study is to analyze the treatment results of the standard algorithm used to choose the entry vessel for intravenous port implantation.During the period between March 2012 and March 2013, 507 patients who received intravenous port implantation due to advanced chemotherapy were included into this study. Choice of entry vessel was according to standard algorithm. All clinical characteristic factors were collected and complication rate and incidence were further analyzed.Compared with our clinical experience in 2006, procedure-related complication rate declined from 1.09% to 0.4%, whereas the late complication rate decreased from 19.97% to 3.55%. No more pneumothorax, hematoma, catheter kinking, fractures, and pocket erosion were identified after using the standard algorithm. In alive oncology patients, 98% implanted port could serve a functional vascular access to fit therapeutic needs.This standard algorithm for choosing the best entry vessel is a simple guideline that is easy to follow. The algorithm has excellent efficiency and can minimize complication rates and incidence.

Histological changes of the unligated vein wall adjacent to the central venous catheter after open cutdown in rats.

BACKGROUND: The sequelae of a central venous cutdown usually include venous deformity causing venous stenosis or stricture. However, the cellular mechanisms causing these deformities have not been elucidated. METHODS: Silicone 2.7-Fr catheters were placed via the right external jugular vein of 16 rats with the cutdown method. After fixation with formalin at scheduled intervals (1week, 2weeks, 4weeks, and 8weeks; 4 rats in each group), the vein segment with the catheter in situ was harvested. Histological changes in the vein wall were studied and serially compared with light microscopy; standard hematoxylin-eosin staining, Masson's trichrome staining, van Gieson's elastin stain, and immunohistochemical stain against α-actin. RESULTS: Pericatheter sleeve formation, circumferential smooth muscle cell proliferation and infiltration into the pericatheter sleeve by direct contact were noted in all 4 rats of 1-week model; this indicated the initiation of neointimal hyperplasia. The neointimal hyperplasia was located inside the elastin layer. At 2weeks, the SMCs stained faintly but the components of the vein wall were largely replaced by collagen. The proliferation and infiltration of SMCs stabilized at 4weeks and no SMCs were stained around the catheter. At 8weeks, luminal narrowing was noted and the venous wall was composed mainly of collagen. CONCLUSIONS: Circumferential neointimal hyperplasia occurred after surgical cutdown of the external jugular vein in a rat model and was caused by SMC activation, proliferation, and infiltration into the pericatheter sleeve.

Closed cannulation of subclavian vein vs open cut-down of cephalic vein for totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP) implantation: protocol for a systematic review and proportional meta-analysis of perioperative and postoperative complications.

BACKGROUND: Totally implantable venous access port (TIVAP) implantation is one of the most often performed operations in general surgery (over 100,000/year in Germany). The two main approaches for TIVAP placement are insertion into the cephalic vein through an open cut-down technique (OCD) or closed cannulation technique of the subclavian vein (CC) with Seldinger technique. Both procedures are performed with high success rates and very low complication frequencies. Because of the low incidence of complications, no single interventional trial is able to report a valid comparison of peri- and postoperative complication frequencies between both techniques. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review is to summarize evidence for peri- and postoperative complication rates in patients undergoing OCD or CC. METHODS/DESIGN: A systematic literature search will be conducted in The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and Embase to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs), observational clinical studies (OCS), or case series (CS) reporting peri- and/or postoperative complications of at least one implantation technique. A priori defined data will be extracted from included studies, and methodological quality will be assessed. Event rates with their 95% confidence intervals will be derived taking into account the follow-up time per study by patient-months where appropriate. Pooled estimates of event rates with corresponding 95% confidence intervals will be calculated on the base of the Freeman-Tukey double arcsine transformation within a random effect model framework. DISCUSSION: The findings of this systematic review with proportional meta-analysis will help to identify the procedure with the best benefit/risk ratio for TIVAP implantation. This may have influence on daily practice, and data may be implemented in treatment guidelines. Considering the impact of TIVAP implantation on patients' well being together with its socioeconomic relevance, patients will benefit from evidence-based treatment and health-care costs may also be reduced. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: PROSPERO CRD42013005180.

Is the liberal use of preoperative 3-dimensional imaging and presternotomy femoral cutdown beneficial in reoperative adult congenital heart surgery?

OBJECTIVE: Patients with congenital heart disease frequently survive into adulthood, and many of them will require repeat surgery. Often, the unique anatomy can make reoperative sternotomy and the conduct of cardiopulmonary bypass challenging. We evaluated the utility of preoperative 3-dimensional imaging and presternotomy femoral cutdown in reoperative adult congenital heart disease surgery. METHODS: We retrospectively studied 205 adult patients, who had undergone reoperative cardiac surgery for congenital heart disease from 2006 to 2011. Using the operative history and 3-dimensional preoperative imaging findings, an algorithm was created to determine whether femoral cutdown or cannulation should be performed before sternal reentry. Analyses were performed to determine the benefits of this strategy. In addition, analyses were performed to identify adverse outcomes related to this strategy. RESULTS: Presternotomy femoral intervention was performed in 112 of 205 patients (55%)-femoral cutdown alone in 69 (34%) and femoral cutdown, cannulation, and institution of cardiopulmonary bypass in 43 (21%). Of the 19 patients (9%) with a cardiac injury, femoral cutdown had already been performed in 17, of whom 10 had also undergone cannulation. Only 2 patients required urgent femoral cutdown or cannulation. A strong correlation was found between the site of injury predicted by the preoperative algorithm and the actual site of cardiac injury (88%). In both univariate and multivariate models, the risk factors for cardiac injury included a history of cardiac injury during sternal reentry (18% vs 1%, P = .0001), proximity of the right ventricular outflow tract to the posterior chest wall (35% vs 14%, P = .04), and increased reoperative sternotomy incidence (P = .01). In 31 patients, despite safe reentry, the femoral vessels were used as a preferential site of venous (n = 6), arterial (n = 9), or venous and arterial cannulation (n = 16) because of anatomic constraints within the chest cavity. Three patients experienced groin complications (pseudoaneurysm, abscess, ischemia) requiring surgery. CONCLUSIONS: Cardiac injury during reoperative surgery in adults with congenital heart disease is not uncommon. The preoperative history and imaging findings could be predictive of certain cardiac injury patterns. Using the preoperative history and 3-dimensional imaging findings, a more selective algorithm for presternotomy femoral intervention might be warranted.

Systematic review and meta-analysis of percutaneous subclavian vein puncture versus surgical venous cutdown for the insertion of a totally implantable venous access device.

BACKGROUND: Totally implantable venous access devices (TIVADs) are commonly used in patients with cancer. Although several methods of implantation have been described, there is not enough evidence to support the use of a specific technique on a daily basis. The objective of this study was systematically to assess the literature comparing percutaneous subclavian vein puncture with surgical venous cutdown. METHODS: MEDLINE, Embase and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched by two independent authors. No time limits were applied. A systematic review and meta-analysis was carried out according to the recommendations of the Cochrane Collaboration, including randomized clinical trials comparing primary percutaneous subclavian vein puncture with surgical venous cutdown. RESULTS: Six trials were included, with 772 patients overall. The primary implantation failure rate was significantly lower for the percutaneous approach compared with surgical cutdown (odds ratio (OR) 0.26, 95 per cent confidence interval (c.i.) 0.07 to 0.94; P = 0.039). There was no evidence supporting a significant difference in terms of risk of pneumothorax, haematoma, venous thrombosis, infectious events or catheter migration. After taking between-study heterogeneity into account by using a random-effects model, procedure duration was not significantly longer for surgical cutdown: weighted mean difference +4 (95 per cent c.i. -12 to 20) min (P = 0.625). CONCLUSION: Percutaneous subclavian vein puncture is associated with a higher TIVAD implantation success rate and a procedure duration similar to that of surgical cutdown. Pneumothorax develops exclusively after percutaneous puncture and requires special attention from clinicians dealing with TIVAD insertion.

Evaluación de protocolos de seguimiento de vías venosas periféricas: neonatología. Hospital Dr. Hernán Henríquez Aravena, mayo- junio de 2005 / Evaluation of protocols of following of operipherical catheter venous: neonatology. Dr. Hernán Henríquez Aravena Hospital, May- June, 2005

Objetivo: conocer las causas que se asocian a multipunción en el recién nacido, con el propósito de focalizar estrategias de mejoramiento. Material y Método: Diseño de corte transversal y asociación. Muestra: 371 protocolos clínicos de vías venosas periféricas; variables: edad gestacional, motivo de retiro, horas de duración. Resultados: 60,65 por ciento de las wp corresponden a recién nacidos mayores de 1500grs. y 39,35 por ciento a recién nacidos de muy bajo peso de nacimiento (<1500grs). El 64,42 por ciento de las vías, se instala en primera punción y 35,58 por ciento requiere más de un intento. En viabilidad de las vías venosas periféricas, 68,45 por ciento permanece in situ más de 24 horas, 30,45 por ciento más de 48 horas, 1,08 por ciento menos de una hora y 22,37 por ciento entre 49 y 72 horas. En recién nacidos pretérmino, el 62,68 por ciento de las vías venosas periféricas duró menos de 72 horas in situ y en el recién nacido de término, 37,32 por ciento, p: 0.038. Motivo de retiro de las vías: 34,77 por ciento por extravasación, 15,36 por ciento por término de uso, 10,51 por ciento por vencimiento y flebitis 12,67 por ciento. Conclusiones: Existe un elevado porcentaje de multipunción, extravasación y limitada duración. Se debe considerar movilidad del neonato, inmovilización, características de la piel y la calidad de los insumos.

Objective: to know the causes associated to multi venipucture site in the NB, in order to focus improvement strategies. Material and Method: Design of cross section and association. Sample: 371 clinical protocols of pvc; variables: gestacional age, remove reason, hours of duration. Results: 60,65 percent of pvc correspond to more than 1500grs NB. And 39,35 percent to VLBWI (< 1500grs). 64,42 percent of the catheter, is settle in a first puncture and 35,58 percent require more than one attempt. In viability of pvc, 68,45 percent stay in situ more than 24 hours, 30,45 percent more than 48 hours, 1,08 percent less than one hour and 22,37 percent between 49 and 72 hours. In PI the 62,68 percent of pvc lasted less than 72 hours in situ and in the TI 37,32 percent, p: 0.038. Reason of the replacement central: 34,77 percent by extrusión, 15,36 percent by cease, 10,51 percent by expiration and phlebitis 12,67 percent. Conclusions: highpercentage of multi venipucture, extrusión and limited duration. To consider mobility of the newborn, immobilization, characteristics of the skin and supplies quality.

Is it more difficult to cannulate the right internal jugular vein in morbidly obese patients than in nonobese patients?

BACKGROUND: The placement of an internal jugular vein (IJV) catheter is considered to be more difficult in morbidly obese patients. The objective of this study was to compare the success of simulated IJV puncture between morbidly obese patients and a nonobese control group. METHODS: Thirty-four morbidly obese patients with body mass index (BMI, kg/m(2)) >/=40 were compared with 36 patients with BMI < 30. Right IJV puncture was simulated using an ultrasound probe directed towards the sternal notch at the midpoint between the sternal notch and the mastoid process. The investigator placing the probe was blinded as to the image being created on the ultrasound machine. Success rate was assessed at three different head rotation angles from midline; 0 degrees , 30 degrees , and 60 degrees . RESULTS: There was no statistically significant difference in successful simulated IJV puncture between two groups for any of the head positions. However, there was a higher incidence of the carotid artery (CA) puncture in the morbidly obese patient group when the head rotation was advanced from neutral position to 60 degrees (p < 0.05). In addition, the ultrasound showed significantly more overlapping of the IJV over the CA in morbidly obese patients at 0 degrees (p < 0.05) and 30 degrees (p < 0.05). Our results show no statistically significant difference in success rate of IJV puncture between morbidly obese patients and nonobese patients. Keeping the head in a neutral position in morbidly obese patients minimizes the overlapping of the IJV over the CA and the risk of CA puncture. CONCLUSION: However, due to the fact that even in the neutral position there is a significant increase in overlap between IJV and CA, we recommend the use of ultrasound guidance for IJV cannulation in obese patients.

Tunneled central venous catheters in a gynecologic oncology service: operative and short-term complications.

PURPOSE: To determine the difference in the immediate complication rate between placement of long-term central venous catheters (LTCVCs) by the percutaneous versus jugular venous cutdown method. METHOD: Case lists were examined to determine the number of LTCVCs placed during the designated time period. Medical records, operative reports, and chest roentgenograms were examined to extract pertinent information. Immediate complications included complications occurring in the operating room until 30 days postoperatively. Complications included misplacement of the catheter requiring an adjustment or a repeat procedure, pneumothorax, hydrothorax, or hemothorax, operative site or tunnel infection, and line migration requiring removal. RESULTS: Five hundred and one patients had LTCVCs placed during the period of this study. This included 399 totally implantable venous access devices (TIVADs) and 102 free access venous access devices (FAVADs) with 163 placed percutaneously into subclavian veins and 338 placed by cutdown into jugular veins. There was a significant increased risk in the overall immediate complication rate for the percutaneous placement compared to venous cutdown (p < 0.001). Also, pneumothorax was more common with the percutaneous approach compared to the venous cutdown approach (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Immediate complications, especially pneumothorax, were more common when placing catheters by the percutaneous approach as compared to the venous cutdown approach.

Iatrogenic ulnar nerve injury resulting from a venous cut down procedure.

We present a case of an iatrogenic left ulnar nerve injury caused during the basilic vein cut down in a 25-year-old woman presenting with a ruptured ectopic pregnancy and requiring an emergency laparotomy. Two months after her discharge from the hospital, the patient presented to the hand surgery clinic with a weak grip strength and paraesthesias in the left hand, diagnosed to be resulting from a deficient ulnar nerve function. Surgical exploration of the nerve showed a complete section of the nerve. End to end repair and anterior transposition of the nerve was done. At 10 months follow up, the patient showed recovery in the flexor digitorum profundus and flexor carpi ulnaris, thus partially improving the grip strength. The patient was still under follow-up at the time this report was prepared.

Experience of anesthesiologists with percutaneous nonangiographic venous access.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: To compare percutaneous nonangiographic insertion of a venous access device with a standard surgical cutdown insertion technique. DESIGN: Prospective, controlled, randomized study. SETTING: Operating room and anesthesia induction room of a university hospital. PATIENTS: 100 consecutive oncology patients scheduled for intravenous chemotherapy. INTERVENTIONS: Patients were randomized to two groups: (1) The percutaneous group received implantation through the internal jugular vein by experienced anesthesiologists, whereas (2) the surgical group received venous cutdown insertion through the cephalic or subclavian vein by surgeons (n = 50 for each group). MEASUREMENTS: Duration of procedure, long-term device function, complications such as hematoma formation, infection, hemothorax, pneumothorax, and patients' satisfaction with the placement procedure at two months of follow-up were all measured and recorded. MAIN RESULTS: The percutaneous technique was found to have several advantages, including reduced time for insertion and greater patient satisfaction with procedure. The percutaneously implanted devices also had fewer insertion-associated complications. CONCLUSION: The simplified, percutaneous, nonangiographic technique is as effective as the traditional venous cutdown technique and can be safely done by surgeons as well as by experienced physicians who are not surgeons.

Cephalic vein cut-down verses percutaneous access: a retrospective study of complications of implantable venous access devices.

BACKGROUND: Central venous access devices play an integral role in providing long-term venous access. Percutaneous and cut-down techniques have been used with varying complications. METHODS: Between January 1998 and July of 2001, 358 venous access devices were placed at Albert Einstein Medical Center in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. A retrospective study was performed to compare complications and operative times for 2 methods of catheter insertion. RESULTS: Overall complication rate was 14%. In lines successfully placed percutaneously, the complication rate was 15% (25 of 163) compared with 11% (16 of 148) in the successful cephalic cut-down group, P = .11. Complications including -- pneumothorax, late catheter transection, and bradycardia -- only occurred in percutaneously placed lines. Mean operative times were similar for both groups. COMMENTS: Use of the cut-down approach for long-term venous access may result in improved patient safety. The cut-down technique should be considered a safe initial approach for placement of venous access devices.