Global variations in funding and use of hemodialysis accesses: an international report using the ISN Global Kidney Health Atlas.

BACKGROUND: There is a lack of contemporary data describing global variations in vascular access for hemodialysis (HD). We used the third iteration of the International Society of Nephrology Global Kidney Health Atlas (ISN-GKHA) to highlight differences in funding and availability of hemodialysis accesses used for initiating HD across world regions. METHODS: Survey questions were directed at understanding the funding modules for obtaining vascular access and types of accesses used to initiate dialysis. An electronic survey was sent to national and regional key stakeholders affiliated with the ISN between June and September 2022. Countries that participated in the survey were categorized based on World Bank Income Classification (low-, lower-middle, upper-middle, and high-income) and by their regional affiliation with the ISN. RESULTS: Data on types of vascular access were available from 160 countries. Respondents from 35 countries (22% of surveyed countries) reported that > 50% of patients started HD with an arteriovenous fistula or graft (AVF or AVG). These rates were higher in Western Europe (n = 14; 64%), North & East Asia (n = 4; 67%), and among high-income countries (n = 24; 38%). The rates of > 50% of patients starting HD with a tunneled dialysis catheter were highest in North America & Caribbean region (n = 7; 58%) and lowest in South Asia and Newly Independent States and Russia (n = 0 in both regions). Respondents from 50% (n = 9) of low-income countries reported that > 75% of patients started HD using a temporary catheter, with the highest rates in Africa (n = 30; 75%) and Latin America (n = 14; 67%). Funding for the creation of vascular access was often through public funding and free at the point of delivery in high-income countries (n = 42; 67% for AVF/AVG, n = 44; 70% for central venous catheters). In low-income countries, private and out of pocket funding was reported as being more common (n = 8; 40% for AVF/AVG, n = 5; 25% for central venous catheters). CONCLUSIONS: High income countries exhibit variation in the use of AVF/AVG and tunneled catheters. In low-income countries, there is a higher use of temporary dialysis catheters and private funding models for access creation.

Assessment of the safety and efficacy of the Zoom 45 and 55 reperfusion catheters for medium and distal mechanical thrombectomies: A multi-institutional study.

INTRODUCTION: The Zoom aspiration catheters harbor novel dimensions and construction to enhance trackability and deliverability. In addition, a beveled tip may improve thrombus interaction and aspiration force for a set inner diameter. This study evaluates their utility in medium and distal vessel occlusions. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of Zoom 45 and 55 aspiration catheters in medium and distal vessel thrombectomy. METHODS: Patients treated for distal vessel occlusions via mechanical thrombectomy utilizing either the Zoom 45/55 catheter or a historical control catheter between 2021-2022 at two institutions were included in this study. Medium and distal occlusions were defined as any anterior or posterior cerebral artery branch as well as the M2-4 segment of the middle cerebral artery (MCA). Preprocedural, procedural, and postprocedural variables were obtained. RESULTS: Thirty-eight patients underwent thrombectomy with Zoom 45 or 55 catheters; four had multiple occluded vessels. Occlusion location included the M2 in 32 cases, M3-4 in 7 cases, A2 in 2 cases and P2 in 1 case. The mean number of passes per occlusion was 1.6 and overall successful reperfusion (TICI 2b or greater) was achieved in 84 % of cases. There were no symptomatic procedure-related complications such as perforation or post-procedural symptomatic ICH. Modified Rankin scores rates of 0-2, 3-5, and 6 at three months post-procedure were 35.7 %, 21.4 %, and 42.9 %, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The Zoom beveled tip aspiration catheters are safe and effective for more challenging medium and distal vessel occlusions.

An mHealth application for chronic vascular access: Consumer led co-creation.

PURPOSE: Children with chronic and complex health conditions frequently need intravenous devices. The current approach to intravenous device selection, insertion, and monitoring is inconsistent, and healthcare consumers are often negatively affected by siloed health information, and poor future planning. Despite child- and family-centred care being recognised as a pillar of paediatric nursing care, limited implementation for vascular access device planning and management is evident. DESIGN AND METHODS: To address this, we conducted a multi-phased approach to co-create, then evaluate, a mobile health (mHealth) application: IV Passport. Co-creation involved a prioritisation survey, followed by a Passport advisory panel consensus meeting. Following confirmation of the required content and features of the Passport, the mHealth application was designed and content validation achieved via survey. RESULTS: The prioritisation survey yielded recommendations for seven features (e.g., graphical presentations of current/past devices). Content for nine device types (e.g., totally implanted ports) was suggested, each with 10 related items (e.g., insertion site). Content items for device-associated complications, future vascular access plans, and educational resources were also suggested. Following design, the application was released through Apple and Android platforms; and adapted to a paper version. Content validation was established; 100% strongly agreed the application was easy to use; 80% agreed/strongly agreed that they would recommend the Passport to others. CONCLUSION: IV Passport embodies effective child- and family-centred care through consumer co-creation to empower patients and families manage vascular access devices. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: IV Passport remains active; and can be utilised across many healthcare settings and patient populations.

Early exploration of the economic impact of transradial access (TRA) versus transfemoral access (TFA) for neurovascular procedures in Spain.

INTRODUCTION: Transfemoral access (TFA) is the primary access approach for neurointerventional procedures. Transradial access (TRA) is established in cardiology due to its lower complications, yet, it is at its early stages in neuroprocedures. This study performs an early exploration of the economic impact associated with the introduction of TRA in diagnostic and therapeutic neuroprocedures from the Spanish NHS perspective. METHODS: An economic model was developed to estimate the cost and clinical implications of using TRA compared to TFA. Costs considered access-related, complications and recovery time costs obtained from local databases and experts' inputs. Clinical inputs were sourced from the literature. A panel of eight experts from different Spanish hospitals, validated or adjusted the values based on local experience. Hypothetical cohorts of 10,000 and 1000 patients were considered for diagnostic and therapeutic neuroprocedures respectively. Deterministic sensitivity analysis was performed. RESULTS: TRA in diagnostic procedures was associated with lower costs with savings ranging between €486 and €157 depending on the TFA recovery time considered. TRA is estimated to lead to 158 fewer access-site complications. In therapeutic procedures, TRA resulted in 76.4 fewer complications and was estimated to be cost-neutral with an incremental cost of €21.56 per patient despite recovery times were not included for this group. Variation of the parameters in the sensitivity analysis did not change the direction of the results. LIMITATIONS: Clinical data was obtained from literature validated by experts therefore results generalizability is limited. In therapeutic neuroprocedures, there is an experience imbalance between approaches and recovery times were not included hence the total impact is not fully captured. CONCLUSIONS: The early economic model suggests that implementing TRA is associated with reduced costs and complications in diagnostic procedures. In therapeutic procedures, TRA lead to fewer complications and it is estimated to be cost-neutral, however its full potential still needs to be quantified.

Deep Learning-based Assessment of Internal Carotid Artery Anatomy to Predict Difficult Intracranial Access in Endovascular Recanalization of Acute Ischemic Stroke.

BACKGROUND: Endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) duration is an important predictor for neurological outcome. Recently it was shown that an angle of ≤ 90° of the internal carotid artery (ICA) is predictive for longer EVT duration. As manual angle measurement is not trivial and time-consuming, deep learning (DL) could help identifying difficult EVT cases in advance. METHODS: We included 379 CT angiographies (CTA) of patients who underwent EVT between January 2016 and December 2020. Manual segmentation of 121 CTAs was performed for the aortic arch, common carotid artery (CCA) and ICA. These were used to train a nnUNet. The remaining 258 CTAs were segmented using the trained nnUNet with manual verification afterwards. Angles of left and right ICAs were measured resulting in two classes: acute angle ≤ 90° and > 90°. The segmentations together with angle measurements were used to train a convolutional neural network (CNN) determining the ICA angle. The performance was evaluated using Dice scores. The classification was evaluated using AUC and accuracy. Associations of ICA angle and procedural times was explored using median and Whitney­U test. RESULTS: Median EVT duration for cases with ICA angle > 90° was 48 min and with ≤ 90° was 64 min (p = 0.001). Segmentation evaluation showed Dice scores of 0.94 for the aorta and 0.86 for CCA/ICA, respectively. Evaluation of ICA angle determination resulted in an AUC of 0.92 and accuracy of 0.85. CONCLUSION: The association between ICA angle and EVT duration could be verified and a DL-based method for semi-automatic assessment with the potential for full automation was developed. More anatomical features of interest could be examined in a similar fashion.

Evaluation of the Implantation of the Good Practices Guideline for Vascular Access in the Euskadi Regional Host of Osakidetza-Basque Health Service: A Descriptive Studio of the Process / Evaluación de la implantación de la guía de buenas prácticas de acceso vascular en el Host Regional Euskadi de Osakidetza-Servicio Vasco de Salud: estudio descriptivo de proceso / Avaliação da implementação do guia de boas práticas para acesso vascular no Host Regional Euskadi de Osakidetza-Serviço Vasco de Saúde: estudo descritivo do proceso

Introduction. Intravenous treatments are necessary in multiple situations; however, they do have complications. The vascular access guideline provides assessed and synthesized evidence to be transferred to care. The aim of this study is to describe the process of implementation of the vascular access guideline in the organizations of Euskadi Regional Host by monitoring the use of alternative catheters, early removal and the presence of complications. Methodology. Descriptive study of process. The cut-off times are 3 months pre- implementation and 6, 12, 48 months post- implantation. Descriptive and comparative analysis with Chisquare. Results. A total of 7,074 patients and 12,363 devices were evaluated; The short peripheral catheter is the most frequently used. The use of alternative catheters increased over time, showing a significant difference in the 3 months pre- implementation period with the 48-month post-implantation period (from 6.81% preimplementation to 10.58% post 48 months). The percentage of short intravenous catheters removal in les than 48 hours increased from 53.25% to 57.54% of the pre-implantation of the 48 months post-implantation. Discussion. The results obtained after the implementation of the guideline highlight the impact of the use of alternative catheters and their early removal. Further work needs to be done to reduce complications and rates of peripheral venous catheter phlebitis. Conclusions. The implementation of the good practices guidelines for vascular access care improves the results in the use of alternative catheters or the reduction in peripheral venous catheters in days. Keywords: Implementation Science; Vascular Access Devices; Practice Guideline; Evidence-Based Practice; Nursing

Introducción. Los tratamientos endovenosos son necesarios en multitud de situaciones; sin embargo, presentan complicaciones. La guía de acceso vascular ofrece evidencia valorada y sintetizada para ser trasladada al cuidado. El objetivo del estudio es describir el proceso de implantación de la guía de acceso vascular en las organizaciones del Host Regional Euskadi monitorizando uso de catéteres alternativos, retirada precoz y presencia de complicaciones. Metodología. Estudio descriptivo de proceso. Se establecen como momentos de corte 3 meses preimplantación y 6, 12 y 48 meses postimplantación. Análisis descriptivo y de comparación con Chi cuadrado. Resultados. Se evaluaron 7,074 pacientes y 12,363 dispositivos; siendo el catéter periférico corto el de uso más frecuente. La utilización de catéteres alternativos aumentó a lo largo del tiempo, mostrando diferencias significativas en el periodo 3 meses preimplantación con el de 48 meses postimplantación (del 6.81% preimplantación al 10.58% post 48 meses). El porcentaje de catéteres venosos periféricos cortos retirados en menos de 48h aumentó del 53.25% al 57.54% de la preimplantación a los 48 meses postimplantación. Discusión. Los resultados obtenidos tras la implantación de la guía ponen de relieve el impacto de la utilización de catéteres alternativos y la retirada precoz de estos. Se ha de seguir trabajando en disminuir las complicaciones y las tasas de flebitis de catéter venosos periféricos. Conclusiones. La implantación de la guía de buenas prácticas para el cuidado del acceso vascular mejora los resultados en el uso de catéteres alternativos o la disminución en días de los c atéteres venosos periféricos. Palabras clave: Ciencia de la Implementación; Dispositivos de Acceso Vascular; Guía de Práctica Clínica; Práctica Clínica Basada en la Evidencia; Enfermería

Introdução. Os tratamentos intravenosos são necessários em muitas situações; porém, apresentam complicações. O guia de acesso vascular oferece evidências avaliadas e sintetizadas para serem transferidas para o cuidado. O objetivo do estudo é descrever o processo de implementação do guia de acesso vascular nas organizações do Host Regional Euskadi, monitorando o uso de cateteres alternativos, remoção precoce e presença de complicações. Metodologia. Estudo descritivo de processo. São estabelecidos como momentos de corte 3 meses pré-implantação, e 6, 12 e 48 meses pós-implantação. Análise descritiva e comparativa com Qui-quadrado. Resultados. Foram avaliados 7,074 pacientes e 12,363 dispositivos, sendo o cateter periférico curto o mais utilizado. O uso de cateteres alternativos aumentou ao longo do tempo, apresentando diferenças significativas no período de 3 meses pré-implantação com o de 48 meses pós-implantação (de 6.81% pré-implantação para 10.58% pós 48 meses). A porcentagem de cateteres venosos periféricos curtos removidos em menos de 48 horas aumentou de 53.25% para 57.54% desde a pré-implantação até 48 meses pós-implantação. Discussão. Os resultados obtidos após a implementação do guia destacam o impacto do uso de cateteres alternativos e sua remoção precoce. O trabalho deve continuar para reduzir complicações e taxas de flebite por cateter venoso periférico. Conclusões. A implementação do guia de boas práticas para cuidados com acesso vascular melhora os resultados no uso de cateteres alternativos ou na redução de dias de cateteres venosos periféricos. Palavras-chave: Ciência da Implementação; Dispositivos de Acesso Vascular; Guia de Prática Clínica; Prática Clínica Baseada em Evidências; Enfermagem

A Retrospective Assessment of Midline Catheter Failures Focusing on Catheter Composition.

Vascular access specialists are responsible for assessing the patient in their unique situation and determining the correct vascular access device to complete the therapeutic goal without complication or failure. This retrospective cohort study compared the failure rates of a variety of polyurethane (PU) midline catheters and a midline catheter constructed of an emerging hydrophilic biomaterial (HBM). A total of 205 patients received a midline catheter and were situationally randomized by the facility where they received it. Patients who had received a midline catheter between March 2021 and May 2021 were assessed for catheter-related failures leading to increased staff time, delays in treatment, or replacement with a new vascular access device to complete the therapy. There were 101 patients in the PU cohort and 104 patients in the HBM cohort. Comparing overall failure rates between the groups revealed a 23.8% failure rate in the PU control group and only a 3.8% failure rate in the HBM group. This suggests that a midline catheter constructed of HBM biomaterial is associated with significantly lower rates of failure, thereby improving patient experience and health care economics.

Eficacia y seguridad del catéter guía de acceso vascular intracraneal para soporte distal de tipo flexible en pacientes con patología cerebrovascular compleja / Efficacy and safety of the intracranial vascular access guiding catheter for flexible distal support in patients with complex cerebrovascular pathology

ANTECEDENTES: En el marco de la metodología ad hoc para evaluar solicitudes de tecnologías sanitarias, aprobada mediante Resolución de Instituto de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud e Investigación N° 111-IETSI-ESSALUD-2021, se ha elaborado el presente dictamen, el cual expone la evaluación de la eficacia y seguridad del catéter guía de acceso vascular intracraneal para soporte distal de tipo flexible (CSDF) para el tratamiento de pacientes con patología cerebrovascular compleja. De este modo, los doctores Alicia Becerra Zegarra, jefa del servicio de neurocirugia funcional e intervencionista del Hospital Nacional Edgardo Rebagliati Martins (HNERM) y Rodolfo Rodríguez Varela, jefe del servicio de neuroradiología del Hospital Nacional Guillermo Almenara Irigoyen (HNGAI), siguiendo la Directiva N° 001-IETSI-ESSALUD-2018, envían al Instituto de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud e Investigación (IETSI) la solicitud de inclusión del dispositivo médico CSDF. ASPECTOS GENERALES Los aneurismas cerebrales son sacos anormales que protruyen de las paredes de las arterias cerebrales y se estima que su prevalencia es de 3.2 % en la población general (Vlak et al. 2011). Adicionalmente, las malformaciones vasculares cerebrales ocurren en 0.1 a 4 % de la población general (Al-Shahi et al. 2003), se caracterizan por la presencia de vasos sanguíneos anómalos e incluyen a las malformaciones arteriovenosas, angiomas cavernosos (cavernomas), fístulas arteriovenosas, entre otros. La presencia de todas estas lesiones representa un riesgo incrementado de hemorragia intracraneal, con el consecuente accidente cerebrovascular y potenciales discapacidades neurológicas derivadas (Macdonald, Stoodley, and Weir 2001). El tratamiento de las lesiones vasculares intracraneales radica en eliminar el nicho vascular de donde se genera el flujo anómalo de sangre y preservar la circulación colateral. Las alternativas van desde el tratamiento conservador, microcirugía, radiocirugía estereotáctica hasta procedimientos endovasculares. La elección del tratamiento usualmente abarca más de una modalidad y depende de factores individuales como la edad, riesgo de hemorragia, tamaño de la lesión, entre otros (Feghali and Huang 2020; Derdeyn et al. 2017; Thompson et al. 2015). METODOLOGÍA: Se llevó a cabo una búsqueda bibliográfica exhaustiva con el objetivo de identificar la mejor evidencia sobre la eficacia y seguridad del tratamiento endovascular empleando el CSDF. La búsqueda bibliográfica se realizó en las bases de datos PubMed, The Cochrane Library y LILACS. Asimismo, se realizó una búsqueda manual dentro de las páginas web pertenecientes a grupos que realizan evaluación de tecnologías sanitarias (ETS) y guías de práctica clínica (GPC) incluyendo el National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health (CADTH), Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC), Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN), Institute for Clinical and Economic Review (ICER), el Instituto de Calidad y Eficiencia en la Atención de la Salud (IQWiG, por sus siglas en alemán), la Base Regional de Informes de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud de las Américas (BRISA), la OMS, el Ministerio de Salud del Perú (MINSA) y el Instituto de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud e Investigación (IETSI). Además, se realizó una búsqueda de GPC de las principales sociedades o instituciones especializadas neurocirugía, neuroradiología, y cirugía vascular y endovascular tales como: British Society of Endovascular Therapy, Vascular and Endovascular Surgery Society, HENDOLAT y Asociación Peruana de Angiología, Cirugía Vascular y Endovascular. Finalmente, se realizó una búsqueda en ClinicalTrials.gov para para identificar ensayos clínicos aleatorizados (ECA) en curso o que no hayan sido publicados aún. RESULTADOS: Luego de la búsqueda bibliográfica hasta noviembre del 2021, no se identificaron ECA que compararan las tecnologías de interés. Además, tampoco se encontraron guías de práctica clínica (GPC), evaluaciones de tecnología sanitaria (ETS) ni revisiones sistemáticas (RS). Solo se encontró un estudio observacional comparativo retrospectivo que respondía directamente a la pregunta PICO, por lo que fue considerado para inclusión (Vakharia et al. 2020). CONCLUSIÓN: Por lo expuesto, el Instituto de Evaluación de Tecnologías en Salud e Investigación no aprueba el uso del catéter guía de acceso vascular intracraneal para soporte distal de tipo flexible (CSDF) en pacientes con patología cerebrovascular compleja.

Peripherally inserted central catheter versus totally implanted venous port for delivering medium- to long-term chemotherapy: A cost-effectiveness analysis based on propensity score matching.

BACKGROUND: Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) and totally implanted vascular access ports (PORTs) have been widely used for medium- to long-term chemotherapy. PICCs are associated with lower insertion cost, but higher complication rates than PORTs. However, there is a paucity of cost-effectiveness comparisons between the devices. We aimed to compare the cost-effectiveness of PICCs and PORTs for medium- to long-term chemotherapy from catheter insertion to removal. METHODS: A cost-effectiveness analysis was conducted based on propensity score matching (PSM) from the hospital perspective. Data were collected from a retrospective cohort study. The total cost outcome comprised insertion, maintenance, removal and complication costs. The effectiveness outcome was the complication-free rate. The primary and supplemental outcomes were cost-effectiveness ratios (CERs) and incremental cost-effectiveness ratios (ICERs). RESULTS: A total of 1050 patients (after PSM for 417 patients) were included. The average total cost for 3-6 month ($603.55 ± 78.68 vs $1270.21 ± 128.84), 6-9 month ($731.40 ± 42.97 vs $1414.48 ± 155.43), and 9-12 month ($966.83 ± 53.78 vs $1587.76 ± 160.56) dwell times were all significantly lower for PICCs than for PORTs (p < 0.001). PICCs were associated with significantly lower complication-free rates than PORTs during the 3-6 month (65.22% vs 90.58%, p < 0.001), 6-9 month (53.33% vs 91.80%, p < 0.001), and 9-12 month (44.44% vs 88.46%, p = 0.015) dwell times. Ultimately, PICCs were associated with lower CERs than PORTs for the 3-6 month (928.54 vs 1395.84) and 6-9 month (1380.00 vs 1537.48) but higher CER for the 9-12 month (2197.34 vs 1804.27) dwell times. ICERs were 2564.08 and 1751.49 with dwell times of 3-6 months and 6-9 months, respectively. CONCLUSION: This study provided economic evidence that informs vascular access device choice for medium- to long-term chemotherapy. For 3-9 month dwell times, PICCs were more cost-effective than PORTs. Furthermore, ICERs were applied and the choice was determined by willingness-to-pay. For 9-12 month dwell times, PORTs might be more cost-effective than PICCs, and studies with larger sample size would be needed to verify this finding in the future.

Trends in interventional stroke device utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic.

OBJECTIVES: The collateral effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on interventional stroke care is not well described. We studied this effect by utilizing stroke device sales data as markers of interventional stroke case volume in the United States. METHODS: Using a real-time healthcare device sales registry, this observational study examined trends in the sales of thrombectomy devices and cerebral aneurysm coiling from the same 945 reporting hospitals in the U.S. between January 22 and June 31, 2020, and for the same months in 2018 and 2019 to allow for comparison. We simultaneously reviewed daily reports of new COVID-19 cases. The strength of association between the cumulative incidence of COVID-19 and procedural device sales was measured using Spearman rank correlation coefficient (CC). RESULTS: Device sales decreased for thrombectomy (- 3.7%) and cerebral aneurysm coiling (- 8.5%) when comparing 2019-2020. In 2020, thrombectomy device sales were negatively associated with the cumulative incidence of COVID-19 (CC - 0.56, p < 0.0001), with stronger negative correlation during April (CC - 0.97, p < 0.0001). The same negative correlation was observed with aneurysm treatment devices (CC - 0.60, p < 0.001), with stronger correlation in April (CC - 0.97, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSIONS: The decline in sales of stroke interventional equipment underscores a decline in associated case volumes. Future pandemic responses should consider strategies to mitigate such negative collateral effects.

Central venous access devices for the delivery of systemic anticancer therapy (CAVA): a randomised controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Hickman-type tunnelled catheters (Hickman), peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs), and totally implanted ports (PORTs) are used to deliver systemic anticancer treatment (SACT) via a central vein. We aimed to compare complication rates and costs of the three devices to establish acceptability, clinical effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of the devices for patients receiving SACT. METHODS: We did an open-label, multicentre, randomised controlled trial (Cancer and Venous Access [CAVA]) of three central venous access devices: PICCs versus Hickman (non-inferiority; 10% margin); PORTs versus Hickman (superiority; 15% margin); and PORTs versus PICCs (superiority; 15% margin). Adults (aged ≥18 years) receiving SACT (≥12 weeks) for solid or haematological malignancy from 18 oncology units in the UK were included. Four randomisation options were available: Hickman versus PICCs versus PORTs (2:2:1), PICCs versus Hickman (1:1), PORTs versus Hickman (1:1), and PORTs versus PICCs (1:1). Randomisation was done using a minimisation algorithm stratifying by centre, body-mass index, type of cancer, device history, and treatment mode. The primary outcome was complication rate (composite of infection, venous thrombosis, pulmonary embolus, inability to aspirate blood, mechanical failure, and other) assessed until device removal, withdrawal from study, or 1-year follow-up. This study is registered with ISRCTN, ISRCTN44504648. FINDINGS: Between Nov 8, 2013, and Feb 28, 2018, of 2714 individuals screened for eligibility, 1061 were enrolled and randomly assigned, contributing to the relevant comparison or comparisons (PICC vs Hickman n=424, 212 [50%] on PICC and 212 [50%] on Hickman; PORT vs Hickman n=556, 253 [46%] on PORT and 303 [54%] on Hickman; and PORT vs PICC n=346, 147 [42%] on PORT and 199 [58%] on PICC). Similar complication rates were observed for PICCs (110 [52%] of 212) and Hickman (103 [49%] of 212). Although the observed difference was less than 10%, non-inferiority of PICCs was not confirmed (odds ratio [OR] 1·15 [95% CI 0·78-1·71]) potentially due to inadequate power. PORTs were superior to Hickman with a complication rate of 29% (73 of 253) versus 43% (131 of 303; OR 0·54 [95% CI 0·37-0·77]). PORTs were superior to PICCs with a complication rate of 32% (47 of 147) versus 47% (93 of 199; OR 0·52 [0·33-0·83]). INTERPRETATION: For most patients receiving SACT, PORTs are more effective and safer than both Hickman and PICCs. Our findings suggest that most patients receiving SACT for solid tumours should receive a PORT within the UK National Health Service. FUNDING: UK National Institute for Health Research Health Technology Assessment Programme.

Time de acesso vascular e terapia infusional: satisfação da equipe de saúde em hospital pediátrico / Vascular access and infusional therapy team: satisfaction of the health team at pediatric hospital / Equipo de acceso vascular y terapia infusional: satisfacción del equipo de salud en hospital pediátrico

Objetivos: Conhecer a satisfação e qualidade do serviço sobre time de acesso vascular e terapia infusional (TAVTI) e identificar a importância do TAVTI para a equipe de saúde. Metodo: Trata-se de uma pesquisa de campo exploratória, descritiva, com abordagem quantitativa e qualitativa. Aplicamos formulários para 149 profissionais. Resultados: Dos participantes, 46,97%(n:70) refere total satisfação frente ao TAVTI; a minoria 0,67%(n:1) demonstra insatisfação total; a maioria considera o serviço muito importante 71,14%(n:106) e excelente atuação para 44,96%(n:67). Apenas 1,34%(2) dos profissionais considerou a qualidade do trabalho regular. Dos participantes, 126 declararam: serviço humanizado; seguro para o paciente; necessita de capacitação e treinamento; material seguro; período integral. Conclusão: A atuação do TAVTI demonstra ser efetiva. Constatou-se a satisfação da equipe de saúde e a importância na pediatria devido à preservação do acesso venoso e o desejo dos profissionais em manter o TAVTI período integral. Frente ao percentual de qualidade considerado, excelente e ótimo.(AU)

Objectives: To know the satisfaction and quality of service on the vascular access and infusional therapy team (TAVTI) and to identify the importance of TAVTI for the health team. Methodo: This is an exploratory, descriptive field research, with a quantitative and qualitative approach. We apply forms to 149 professionals. Results: Of the participants, 46.97% (n: 70) reported total satisfaction with TAVTI; the minority 0.67% (n: 1) shows total dissatisfaction; the majority considered the service very important 71.14% (n: 106) and excellent performance for 44.96% (n: 67). Only 1.34% (2) of the professionals considered the quality of work to be regular. Of the participants, 126 declared: humanized service; safe for the patient; needs qualification and training; safe material; Full time. Conclusion: The performance of TAVTI proves to be effective. The satisfaction of the health team and the importance in pediatrics were found due to the preservation of venous access and the desire of professionals to maintain TAVTI full time. In view of the percentage of quality considered, excellent and great.(AU)

Objetivos: Conocer la satisfacción y calidad del servicio del equipo de acceso vascular y terapia infusional (TAVTI) e identificar la importancia de TAVTI para el equipo de salud. Metodo: Se trata de una investigación de campo exploratoria, descriptiva, con enfoque cuantitativo y cualitativo. Aplicamos formularios a 149 profesionales. Resultados: De los participantes, el 46,97% (n: 70) reportaron satisfacción total con TAVTI; la minoría 0,67% (n: 1) muestra total insatisfacción; la mayoría consideró el servicio muy importante 71,14% (n: 106) y excelente desempeño para el 44,96% (n: 67). Solo el 1,34% (2) de los profesionales consideró regular la calidad del trabajo. De los participantes, 126 declararon: servicio humanizado; seguro para el paciente; necesita cualificación y formación; material seguro; período integral. Conclusión: La actuación de TAVTI demuestra ser eficaz. La satisfacción del equipo de salud y la importancia en pediatría se encontraron debido a la preservación del acceso venoso y el deseo de los profesionales de mantener TAVTI a tiempo completo. En vista del porcentaje de calidad considerado, excelente y óptimo.(AU)

Elective replacement of peripheral intravenous cannulas in neonates.

BACKGROUND: Newborns admitted to neonatal units often require vascular access. Peripheral intravenous cannulas allow essential medication, fluids, and/or parenteral nutrition to be delivered. Peripheral intravenous cannulas are often associated with complications, such as extravasation, infiltration, phlebitis, leakage, spontaneous dislodgement, and catheter-associated blood stream infection. METHODS: A secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial evaluating standard replacement versus elective replacement (72-96 h) of peripheral intravenous cannula was conducted in a tertiary-level neonatal unit in Melbourne, Australia. The main outcome of this analysis was to assess the risk of combined adverse events associated with elective replacement of peripheral intravenous cannula. A cost analysis of the intervention was also conducted. RESULTS: Combined adverse outcomes noted per infant were 48 (87.27%) in the standard replacement group versus 44 (75.86%) in the elective replacement group (RR 0.87; 95% CI 0.71-1.04, p = 0.15). In terms of combined adverse outcome per 1000 intravenous hours, there was a significant risk ratio of 0.81 in the elective group compared with the standard group (95% CI 0.65-0.98, p = 0.04). Gestation (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 0.58; 95% CI 0.35-0.96, p = 0.03), male gender (AOR 4.65; 95% CI 1.07-20.28, p = 0.04), elective replacement (AOR 0.12; 95% CI 0.03-0.68, p = 0.01), and the total number of re-sites (AOR 27.84; 95% CI 4.61-168.18, p < 0.001) were significant risk factors associated with adverse events. There were also significantly higher costs involved with elective replacement. CONCLUSION: Elective replacement of peripheral intravenous cannulas was not shown to reduce the risk of combined adverse events. Elective peripheral intravenous cannula replacement also incurred a higher cost.

Sex-Related Differences in the Long-Term Outcomes of Patients with Femoropopliteal Arterial Disease Treated with the IN.PACT Drug-Coated Balloon in the IN.PACT SFA Randomized Controlled Trial: A Post Hoc Analysis.

PURPOSE: To evaluate sex-related disparities in long-term outcomes of patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) treated with IN.PACT drug-coated balloon (DCB) or percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA). MATERIALS AND METHODS: A post hoc analysis of the IN.PACT SFA trial was performed. Participants with Rutherford Clinical Classification 2-4 PAD and femoropopliteal artery lesions up to 18 cm long were randomly assigned to treatment with DCB (n = 220) or PTA (n = 111). Effectiveness outcomes were evaluated, including 36-month primary patency (freedom from binary restenosis and freedom from clinically driven [CD] target lesion revascularization [TLR]). RESULTS: In the DCB group, women were significantly older (69.4 y ± 9.9) than men (66.4 y ± 9.1; P = .025). Mean reference vessel diameter (RVD) was significantly smaller in women (4.4 mm ± 0.68) compared with men (4.8 mm ± 0.89, P < .001). Primary patency was 65.4% in women and 71.8% in men (P = .302). Freedom from CD-TLR was 81.1% in women and 86.4% in men (P = .285). Women treated with PTA were older (70.4 y ± 8.3) than men (66.9 y ± 9.5; P = .063). Mean RVD was significantly smaller in women (4.2 mm ± 0.77) compared with men (4.9 mm ± 0.77, P < .001). Primary patency was 42.3% in women and 46.7% in men (P = .551). Freedom from CD-TLR was 59.4% in women and 75.5% in men (P = .109). No significant differences were noted in safety and mortality outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: In both groups, women were older and had smaller vessels. Particularly in the PTA group, women had worse clinical outcomes, though not reaching statistical significance. Further evaluation is necessary to understand the disparate nature of disease progression and outcomes following endovascular treatment in women compared with men.

Dialysis Access: At the Intersection of Policy, Innovation, and Clinical Care.

The Advancing American Kidney Health executive order aims to reduce the incidence of end-stage kidney disease, promote home dialysis therapies, increase the number of kidney transplants, and encourage innovation in new technologies, evidence-based practice, and early detection of kidney disease. Improvements in dialysis access care are essential to the success and expansion of this program, and to being able to provide high-quality, cost-efficient care to this patient population. Specifically, the need for expanded access to home dialysis will require surgeons and interventionalists to become proficient and trained in peritoneal dialysis catheter placement and for the referral process to be streamlined to accommodate the increased interest in this modality. In addition, new technologies, namely percutaneous fistula creation, bioengineered vessels, and a variety of interventions to reduce arteriovenous stenosis, will hopefully allow for timely and durable vascular access options that will support implementation of the executive order.

Challenges and novel therapies for vascular access in haemodialysis.

Advances in standards of care have extended the life expectancy of patients with kidney failure. However, options for chronic vascular access for haemodialysis - an essential part of kidney replacement therapy - have remained unchanged for decades. The high morbidity and mortality associated with current vascular access complications highlights an unmet clinical need for novel techniques in vascular access and is driving innovation in vascular access care. The development of devices, biological approaches and novel access techniques has led to new approaches to controlling fistula geometry and manipulating the underlying cellular and molecular pathways of the vascular endothelium, and influencing fistula maturation and formation through the use of external mechanical methods. Innovations in arteriovenous graft materials range from small modifications to the graft lumen to the creation of completely novel bioengineered grafts. Steps have even been taken to create new devices for the treatment of patients with central vein stenosis. However, these emerging therapies face difficult hurdles, and truly creative approaches to vascular access need resources that include well-designed clinical trials, frequent interaction with regulators, interventionalist education and sufficient funding. In addition, the heterogeneity of patients with kidney failure suggests it is unlikely that a 'one-size-fits-all' approach for effective vascular access will be feasible in the current environment.

Port-a-Cath fracture and migration in paediatric cancer patients: incidence and management at a tertiary care centre - a 15-year experience.

INTRODUCTION: Port-a-Cath or chemoport provides prolonged central venous access for cancer patients requiring prolonged chemotherapy. Prolonged use of chemoport is associated with many complications. Dislodgement and migration of chemoport catheter is a rare and reportable complication with potentially serious consequences. METHODS: The medical charts of 1222 paediatric cancer patients admitted to the Children's Cancer Center in Lebanon who had chemoports inserted for long-term chemotherapy were retrospectively reviewed. Descriptive analysis of data was conducted. RESULTS: Chemoport fracture and migration were found in seven cases with an incidence of 0.57%. The duration of chemoport use before the event of dislodgement varied from 2 months to 102 months. Non-functioning chemoport was the most common presentation. Totally, six cases were managed successfully by loop snaring, three cases by paediatric cardiology team, and three cases by interventional radiology team. One case was managed surgically during chemoport removal. CONCLUSION: Fracture and migration of chemoport catheter is a rare complication of uncertain aetiology and with potentially serious consequences. Percutaneous retrieval, done by experienced cardiologist or interventional radiologist, is the first choice for management of this complication as it is considered as a safe and effective approach.

Reducing Risks and Improving Vascular Access Outcomes.

Short peripheral catheter (SPC) insertion is a common invasive procedure performed in hospitalized patients. Variations in this fundamental nursing skill exist among nurses, with significant impacts on budgets, patient satisfaction, and worker safety-key concerns for nurse leaders. A performance improvement project focused on vascular access management was undertaken, with the goal to improve SPC practice and associated outcomes. Assessment of current SPC policies, practices, products, and outcomes identified areas of potential improvement. A performance improvement program was undertaken, and its effects on clinical, safety, and economic outcomes were assessed at 5 hospitals in 1 health care system. Clinical, safety, and economic outcomes improved, as demonstrated by longer average catheter dwell times, increased first-insertion success, improved patient satisfaction, reduced blood exposure, and annual cost savings. A vascular access management program can support leaders in achieving consistent guideline adherent practice among nurses while reducing cost and increasing patient and nurse satisfaction.

Beneficios de la asepsia del sitio de inserción del catéter venoso periférico corto. Análisis de datos secundarios / Benefits of asepsy of the short peripheral venous catheter insertion site. Secondary data analysis

Introducción: las enfermedades isquémicas del corazón ocupan los primeros lugares de morbimortalidad, lo que exige la amplia participación del profesional de enfermería en la atención de los pacientes con estos padecimientos, y el tratamiento de infusión (TI) es uno de los principales procedimientos que realiza, incluidos la instalación, el mantenimiento y el retiro oportuno de los dispositivos de acceso vascular (DAV), en especial el catéter venoso periférico corto (CVPC). Objetivo: analizar los beneficios de realizar limpieza en el sitio de inserción (LISI) del CVPC funcional como opción en el mantenimiento. Metodología: estudio prospectivo, transversal y comparativo de LISI en pacientes de una institución de tercer nivel de atención, durante abril de 2017 a junio de 2018, una muestra de 100 pacientes seleccionados por conveniencia. El grupo 1 de pacientes con CVPC muestra sangre en el sitio de inserción, se encuentra funcional y se realiza LISI; el grupo 2 tiene las mismas condiciones pero éste se retira y se instala otro dispositivo. Los datos se obtuvieron de la base de datos Análisis CVPC 2017-2019 de la Unidad de Vigilancia Epidemiológica. Resultados: el 58% de la muestra se integró con adultos mayores con una media de punciones de 2; el 25% duró más de cinco días y el 5% se retiró por aparición de alguna complicación, ninguna relacionada con la LISI. Con la LISI se obtiene un ahorro del 47.35% del costo total. Conclusión: la LISI puede evitar inserciones innecesarias, reduce costos hasta 50% y no aumenta la aparición de infecciones relacionas con el catéter.

Introduction: Ischemic heart diseases occupy the first places of morbidity and mortality, which requires the broad participation of the nursing professional in the care of patients with these conditions, infusion therapy (IT) being one of the main procedures performed, this includes the installation, maintenance and timely removal of vascular access devices (VADs), especially the short peripheral venous catheter (CVPC). Objective: To analyze the benefits of cleaning the insertion site (CIS) of the functional CVPC as an option in maintenance. Methods: Prospective, cross-sectional, comparative study of CIS in patients from a tertiary care institution, from April 2017 to June 2018, sample of 100 patients selected for convenience. Group 1 of patients with CVPC presents blood in the insertion site, it's functional, CIS is performed; Group 2 presents the same conditions but this is removed and another device installed. The data were obtained from the CVPC Analysis 2017-2019 database of the Epidemiological Surveillance Unit. Results: 58% of the sample was made up of older adults, mean number of punctures: 2, 25% lasted more than 5 days, 5% withdrew due to presenting some complication, none related to CIS. With the CIS there is a saving of 47.35% of the total cost. Conclusion: CIS might avoid unnecessary insertions, reduces costs by 50% and does not increase the presence of catheter-associated infections.