Incidência de obstrução em cateteres periféricos intravenosos em adultos e fatores relacionados / Incidence of obstruction in peripheral intravenous catheters in adults and related factors / Incidencia de obstrucción en catéteres intravenosos periféricos en adultos y factores relacionados

Objetivo: analisar a incidência e os fatores relacionados à obstrução de cateter intravenoso periférico em adultos hospitalizados. Método: uma coorte prospectiva, realizada a partir da observação de 203 cateteres, entre fevereiro de 2019 e maio de 2020, em hospital público e de ensino brasileiro. Foram consideradas variáveis clínicas e do cateter. Os dados foram analisados descritivamente e por estatística inferencial. Resultados: o tempo de permanência variou entre um a 15 dias e a obstrução ocorreu em 7,5% das observações. Houve aumento do risco de obstrução em relação ao sexo (RR=0,49 / p=0,186), à idade (RR=1,20/ p=0,732), aos cateteres de maior calibre (RR=0,53/ p=0,250), à inserção no dorso da mão até antebraço (RR=2,33/ p=0,114) e ao tempo do cateter in situ (RR=033/ p=0,433). Conclusão: O cuidado diário e observação do cateter intravenoso periférico são importantes para minimizar o surgimento de complicações locais e sistêmicas e manter a patência do dispositivo.

Objective: to analyze the incidence and factors related to peripheral intravenous catheter obstruction in hospitalized adults. Method: a prospective cohort, based on the observation of 203 catheters, between February 2019 and May 2020, in a Brazilian public teaching hospital. Clinical and catheter variables were taken into account. The data was analyzed descriptively and using inferential statistics. Results: the length of stay ranged from one to 15 days and obstruction occurred in 7.5% of the observations. There was an increased obstruction risk in relation to gender (RR=0.49 / p=0.186), age (RR=1.20/ p=0.732), larger catheters (RR=0.53/ p=0.250), insertion in the back of the hand up to the forearm (RR=2.33/ p=0.114) and the time length the catheter was in situ (RR=033/ p=0.433). Conclusion: Daily care and observation of the peripheral intravenous catheter is important to minimize the appearance of local and systemic complications and maintain the patency of the device.

Objetivo: analizar la incidencia y los factores relacionados con la obstrucción del catéter intravenoso periférico en adultos hospitalizados. Método: cohorte prospectiva, realizada mediante la observación de 203 catéteres, entre febrero de 2019 y mayo de 2020, en un hospital escuela público brasileño. Se consideraron variables clínicas y del catéter. Los datos se analizaron de forma descriptiva y mediante estadística inferencial. Resultados: el tiempo de permanencia varió entre uno y 15 días y la obstrucción ocurrió en el 7,5% de las observaciones. Hubo mayor riesgo de obstrucción en relación con el sexo (RR=0,49 / p=0,186), la edad (RR=1,20 / p=0,732), los catéteres de mayor calibre (RR=0,53 / p= 0,250), la inserción en el dorso de la mano hasta el antebrazo (RR=2,33/ p=0,114) y el tiempo del catéter in situ (RR=033/ p=0,433). Conclusión: el cuidado diario y la observación del catéter intravenoso periférico son importantes para minimizar la aparición de complicaciones locales y sistémicas y mantener la permeabilidad del dispositivo.

Effect of Nurse-Led Clean Intermittent Catheterization Synchronous Health Education on Patients with Urinary Dysfunction after Spinal Cord Injury.

OBJECTIVE: Spinal cord injury (SCI) severely affects motor, sensory, reflex, and other functions, impacting 250,000 to 500,000 individuals globally each year. Bladder voiding dysfunction, a prevalent and serious complication of SCI, results in significant morbidity and reduced quality of life. This study examines the impact of nurse-led clean intermittent catheterization combined with synchronous health education for family members on improving compliance in patients with SCI and bladder voiding dysfunction. METHODS: Eighty-four patients with urinary dysfunction post-SCI treated in our hospital from January 2023 to January 2024 were selected. Family members were assigned to a control group (n = 40) or an observation group (n = 44) based on their participation in nurse-led health education. Urinary tract management proficiency, satisfaction, compliance, and complications were observed and statistically analyzed in both groups on the 30th day after self-initiated intermittent catheterization. RESULTS: By the 30th day, the observation group exhibited significantly higher cognitive scores in urinary tract management than the control group (p < 0.001). Additionally, the observation group showed greater compliance in daily water intake (p = 0.018), proper timing (p = 0.018), and correct bladder function training (p = 0.004). The incidence of urinary tract infections was lower in the observation group (p = 0.018). Patient satisfaction in the observation group also exceeded that of the control group in all measured aspects and total scores (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Nurse-led synchronous health education for family members during clean intermittent catheterization significantly enhances patient compliance, reduces complications, and improves patient satisfaction.

The use of pulmonary artery catheter and clinical outcomes in older adults with cardiogenic shock.

BACKGROUND: Evidence is lacking regarding the benefits of pulmonary artery catheter (PAC) for cardiogenic shock (CS). METHODS: We analyzed the data on Medicare fee-for-service beneficiaries aged 65-99 admitted with CS from 2016 to 2020 to compare outcomes of patients monitored with versus without PAC. We implemented propensity score matching weight (PSMW) analysis with hospital fixed effects (effectively comparing outcomes within the same hospital) and quasi-experimental instrumental variable (IV) analysis (accounting for potential unmeasured confounders) with the probability of using PAC for CS in the previous year as the instrument. RESULTS: We included 4668 and 78,502 patients admitted with CS, monitored with and without PAC, respectively. We found no evidence that the use of PAC was associated with mortality either in PSMW (adjusted absolute risk difference [aRD], +0.5-percentage-points [pp]; 95 % confidence interval [CI], -1.1 to +2.1) or IV (aRD, -2.5 pp.; 95 % CI, -8.2 to +3.2) analyses. While consistent associations were not observed between the use of PAC and major bleeding and sepsis, the use of PAC was associated with a higher risk of all-bleeding (PSMW: aRD, +1.5 pp.; 95 % CI, +0.1 to +2.9; IV: +13.3 pp.; 95 % CI, +7.7 to +18.8) and longer LOS (PSMW: adjusted mean difference, +1.6 days; 95 % CI, +1.1 to +2.0; IV: +6.9 days; +4.9 to +9.0). CONCLUSIONS: We found no evidence that the use of PAC was associated with lower mortality in patients with CS. While high-quality randomized trials are needed, providers should be careful about appropriate settings and indications of the use of PAC for the management of CS.

Training for ultrasound-guided implantation of central venous catheters eliminates venolysis in pediatric patients.

BACKGROUND: In the pediatric setting, the procurement of vascular access can be particularly difficult. Surgical venolysis was the first technique described but, in recent years, the literature has shown that ultrasound-guided implantation has fewer complications. The principal aim of this paper is to state how after a structured training to place ultrasound-guided central lines, venolysis was definitively abandoned in our hospital. We also analyzed the impact of training on the duration of procedures. Finally, the number of procedures performed per operator to maintain the quality standard achieved. METHOD: In this observational retrospective study, we analyzed data from 2013 to 2020 of 1497 pediatric and neonatal central venous access placements in a single center during a training path. RESULTS: Venolysis performed by the pediatric surgeons was used in 11% of total placements, the most in the smallest patients (76.1%, <1 year of age). With the implementation of training, this invasive technique became obsolete to the point where it was no longer practiced (24.6% of vascular placement in 2013 to 0% in 2020). In the placement performed by the pediatric anesthesiologists, time progressively decreased from 51.5 min in 2013 to 29.4 min in 2022. From the analysis of the number of procedures performed by pediatric anesthesiologists, the first consultant involved performed averaging 48 procedures per year, while the other consultants had an overall average of 16.7-25 placements per year. CONCLUSION: Echo-guided vascular cannulation was found to be safe, reliable, and reproducible in pediatric patients and neonates and permits to deletion definitively venolysis. Well-structured training is essential and should be standardized in the future.

Clean intermittent catheterization in multiple sclerosis patients: an adherence and long-term follow-up study.

INTRODUCTION: Clean Intermittent Catheterization (CIC) is considered as a gold standard of treatment for bladder emptying disorders. A large amount of literature on CIC for patients suffering from neurological disorders is available, but there is a lack of research specifically concerning multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Our primary outcome was to determine the characteristics of our population (sex, EDSS and age when CIC was introduced). Our secondary outcomes were to determine adherence of CIC. METHOD: As part of a multicenter, observational, retro-prospective study, data was collected from neuro-urologist consultation reports, and extracted from bladder diaries between 01/01/2000 and 31/03/24. MS patients, over 18 years, with the indication of CIC were included. RESULT: 195 patients (72.3% women) were included, with a mean age of 49 years old. The median of follow-up was 9 years. Median EDSS at the start of the study was 5.5. There was an adherence rate of 65.1%. Urinary leakage was present in 74,2% of patients prior to CIC and 31.6% following CIC. CONCLUSION: Catheterization is mainly offered to patients with an EDSS between 0 and 7. Rate of adhesion is encouraging, with most patients still continuing to use CIC by the end of follow-up. During the follow-up, we observed a reduced leakage rate but CIC alone can not explain this improvement. Following studies should include a list of constraints and reasons of halted CIC.

Experience and perspective with intravascular imaging and invasive coronary physiology: Insights from allied health professionals.

BACKGROUND: Although intravascular imaging (IVI) and invasive coronary physiology (ICP) are utilized in percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) with robust positive clinical evidence, their adoption in cardiac catheterization laboratories (CCLs) is still limited. AIMS: The aim of our survey was to assess the perspectives on the experiences of allied health professionals in CCLs' utility of IVI and ICP. METHODS: An anonymous online survey was conducted through multiple channels, including the Cardiovascular Research Technologies (CRT) 2023 Nurses and Technologists Symposium, social media, Cath Lab Digest link, and field requests, leading to diverse representation of allied health professionals. RESULTS: A total of 101 CCL members participated in the survey. First, 59% of responders noted an increased use of IVI in their institutions over recent years. For those experiencing an increase, 49% credited training, 45% emerging evidence, and 34% attributed new CCL members. Barriers to IVI usage were perceived increased procedure time (58%), staff resistance (56%), procedural cost (48%), and difficulty interpreting findings (44%). Regarding ICP, 61% reported using it in approximately 25% to 75% of cases, while 10% utilized it in 75% to 100% of CCL procedures. Interpreting ICP results was mixed, with 56% confident in interpreting all ICP results and 6% unable to interpret any ICP results. CONCLUSION: Our findings highlight opportunities for increasing routine utilization of IVI and ICP in the CCL through allied health professionals. By providing education and training, we can elevate familiarity with the equipment and subsequently build a CCL culture that advocates for both IVI and ICP.

Medicated Foley Catheters Do Not Prevent Catheter-Associated Urinary Tract Infection: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Infections of the urinary tract are among some of the most common infections treated in clinical practice. Numerous risk factors play an intrinsic role in the development of such infections, namely: age, sexual intercourse, prolonged use of feminine hygiene products, instrumentation, pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections, obstructive uropathy such as prostatic enlargement or urethral strictures, compromised immunity, and constipation. A major cause of urinary tract infections (UTIs) in hospitalized patients is catheter-associated urinary tract infections (CAUTIs). This systematic review aims to identify the causative agents and risk factors and to determine whether nitrofurazone, silver alloy, or zinc oxide-impregnated or coated/medicated Foley catheters, or non-medicated (standard) Foley catheters, can reduce the incidence of CAUTIs. A systematic review was conducted on the following databases: PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Trip medical database, and Google Scholar. A combination of keywords and Boolean operators was used ((((urinary tract infections) OR (urinary catheterization)) OR (prevention AND control)) ) AND (catheter-associated infections) for data extraction. All the randomized controlled clinical trials (RCTs) completed and available between January 1, 2005, and June 30, 2024, which focused on the prevention of CAUTIs, were screened thoroughly and were included in this systematic review. The Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials (RoB 2) tool was used for risk of bias assessment. The Robvis visualization tool (McGuinness, LA, Higgins, JPT. Risk-of-bias VISualization (robvis): An R package and Shiny web app for visualizing risk-of-bias assessments. Res Syn Meth. 2020; 1-7) was used for development of traffic light plots and weighted bar plots for risk of bias. The literature search conducted produced 41,909 articles. Among these 19,076 were noted as duplicates and were excluded in the initial analysis; 22,833 manuscripts were thus screened after deduplication. Abstracts, case studies, reports, editorials, viewpoints, cross-sectional studies, cohort studies, case-control studies, case series, and letters to the editor/correspondence manuscripts (n = 22,745) were additionally excluded. A total of 88 full-text articles were assessed for eligibility. An in-depth evaluation and analysis further excluded 82 articles from the analysis quality assessment based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Six RCTs were finally assessed regarding the prevention of CAUTIs and were ultimately included in the systematic review. The primary causative agents involved in the CAUTIs were found to be mainly Gram-negative bacteria such as Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Enterococcus faecalis. The risk factors noted for the development of these CAUTIs ranged from urethral trauma, overdistention of the bladder, prolonged catheterization, to improper handling of the urine bag. No significant advantage was noted between the use of medicated and non-medicated standard Foley catheters. The aseptic technique and indications followed for the catheterization play a vital role in the prevention of CAUTIs, and more cognizance thereof will aid in the reduction of the development of CAUTIs.

Functional capacity assessment in adults post-Fontan: a cardiopulmonary exercise test-invasive exercise hemodynamics correlation study.

While cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) parameters have known prognostic value in adults post-Fontan, there is limited data correlating treadmill CPET with invasive exercise hemodynamics. Furthermore, the invasive hemodynamic underpinnings of exercise limitations have not been thoroughly investigated. This is retrospective analysis of 55 adults (≥18 years) post-Fontan who underwent treadmill CPET prior to invasive exercise hemodynamic testing via supine cycle protocol between November 2018 and April 2023. Median age was 32.2 (24.1; 37.2) years. Peak heart rate (HR) was 139.7±28.1 bpm and peak oxygen consumption (VO2) was 19.1±5.7 ml/kg/min (47.4±13.5% predicted). VO2/HR was directly related to exercise stroke volume index (Svi) (r=0.50; p=0.0002), while no association was seen with exercise arterio-mixed venous O2 content difference (r=0.14; p=0.32). Peak HR was inversely related to exercise pulmonary artery (PA) pressures (r=-0 61; p<0.0001) and PA wedge pressures (PAWP) (r=-0.61; p<0.0001). Moreover, % predicted VO2 was inversely related to exercise PA pressures (r=-0.50; p<0.0001) and PAWP (r=-0.55; p<0.0001). Peak VO2 ≤19.1 ml/kg/min had a sensitivity of 81% and specificity of 76% (AUC 0.82) for predicting a ΔPAWP/ΔQs ratio >2 mmHg/l/min and/or a ΔPA/ΔQp ratio >3 mmHg/l/min, while a predicted peak VO2 ≤48% had a sensitivity of 74% and specificity of 81% (AUC 0.79) for the same parameters. In summary, lower peak HR and lower peak VO2 were associated with higher exercise PAWP and PA pressure. Peak VO2 ≤48% predicted provided the optimal cut-off for predicting elevated indexed exercise PAWP or PA pressures, thus low peak VO2 should alert clinicians of abnormal underlying hemodynamics.

Delivery systems for transcatheter therapies of congenital heart disease.

INTRODUCTION: Delivery systems are crucially important for the implantation of medical devices in patients with congenital heart disease. However, very little data is available comparing the advantages and disadvantages of the various delivery systems. AREAS COVERED: This article describes the delivery systems and methods used for delivery of atrial septal occluder devices, ventricular septal occluder devices, devices to occlude patent arterial ducts, and transcatheter pulmonary valves. Delivery systems are compared relating to prepping and loading, positioning of the delivery sheath/catheter, deployment, ability to recapture and reposition, as well as device release. EXPERT OPINION: For most ASD/VSD/PDA occluder devices, the basic delivery mechanism has changed very little over the preceding 20 years. Future modifications may focus on meaningful modifications to the cable systems that reduce stiffness and improve angulation at the connection to the device. Over the next 5-10 years, it is expected to see significant changes to delivery systems used for transcatheter pulmonary valve implantation, that result in improvements in the ability to recapture and reposition self-expandable transcatheter valves during the deployment process, combined with kink resistant sheaths that facilitate easy tracking across often complex right ventricular outflow tracts.

Circle of Vieussens: Its Importance in the Presence of Significant Coronary Artery Stenosis in a 26-Year-Old Female With Kawasaki Disease.

In patients with coronary artery disease (CAD), collateral circulation aids in sustaining myocardial perfusion and cardiac function. The circle of Vieussens is a rare collateral pathway between the right coronary artery and the left anterior descending artery (LAD) that plays a significant role specifically in patients with chronic total occlusions (CTOs). This article presents a unique case of the circle of Vieussens in a 26-year-old Asian female with a history of Kawasaki disease and CTO of the proximal LAD. Despite the CTO, the patient remains asymptomatic and maintains normal left ventricular function, attributed to an effective collateral network including a right-to-left arterial ring providing TIMI 3 flow. The case illustrates the crucial role of collateral circulation in managing complex coronary anomalies and underscores the need for comprehensive cardiac evaluations in patients with Kawasaki disease. This finding also highlights the potential of the circle of Vieussens as a lifesaving alternate conduit in severe CAD scenarios.

Portal Hypertension in Children: Investigating Umbilical Catheterization in the Neonatal Period.

Portal cavernoma is a major cause of extrahepatic portal hypertension (EHPH) in children. It is a serious condition, due to the frequency and severity of digestive hemorrhages secondary to the rupture of esophageal varices (EV). Neonatal umbilical catheterization is a significant risk factor for the development of portal vein thrombosis (PVT) and portal hypertension. We report a case of a five-year-old male who presented with upper gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding on ruptured esophageal varices resulting from a portal cavernoma, complicating neonatal umbilical vein catheterization. This case illustrates the risk of severe vascular complications, particularly portal hypertension that can result from neonatal umbilical vein catheterization.

Pulmonary Atresia and Ventricular Septal Defect Without Major Aortopulmonary Collateral Arteries: Diagnostic Evaluation and the Role of Ductal Stenting.

Patients with pulmonary atresia (PA) and a ventricular septal defect (VSD), similar to those with tetralogy of Fallot and PA without major aortopulmonary collateral arteries, lack antegrade pulmonary blood flow, and thus require a neonatal intervention for stabilization or augmentation of pulmonary blood flow. The role of ductal stenting in the management of these patients, and the current literature supporting it, will be reviewed.

Off-label uses of the Amplatzer Piccolo Occluder in children with congenital and acquired heart diseases.

Aim: The Amplatzer Piccolo Occluder (APO) is approved for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) occlusion in infants weighing >700 g but could offer versatility to treat other lesions.Methods: Retrospective review of children in whom APO was utilized for defects other than PDA between January 2022 and June 2023.Results: The APO was used in nine patients; three for ventricular septal defects, four with coronary fistulas, one for a ventricular pseudoaneurysm and one where APO deployed within a fenestration of a previously placed Amplatzer Septal Occluder. All nine patients had successful occlusions without complications.Conclusion: The APO is a versatile device that can be used to treat various small diameter lesions in children besides the PDA for which it is currently approved for.

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Perirenal Fat Thickness Is Associated With Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Type 2 Diabetic Patients Undergoing Coronary Catheterization.

Background: Deposition of adipose tissue may have a promoting role in the development of diabetic complications. This study is aimed at investigating the relationship between adipose tissue thickness and risk of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN) in patients with Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Methods: A total of 603 T2DM patients undergoing percutaneous coronary angiography or angioplasty with suspicious or confirmed stable coronary artery disease were enrolled in this study. The thicknesses of perirenal fat (PRF), subcutaneous fat (SCF), intraperitoneal fat (IPF), and epicardial fat (ECF) were measured by color Doppler ultrasound, respectively. The association of various adipose tissues with CIN was analyzed. Results: Seventy-seven patients (12.8%) developed CIN in this cohort. Patients who developed CIN had significantly thicker PRF (13.7 ± 4.0 mm vs. 8.9 ± 3.6 mm, p < 0.001), slightly thicker IPF (p = 0.046), and similar thicknesses of SCF (p = 0.782) and ECF (p = 0.749) compared to those who did not develop CIN. Correlation analysis showed that only PRF was positively associated with postoperation maximal serum creatinine (sCr) (r = 0.18, p = 0.012), maximal absolute change in sCr (r = 0.33, p < 0.001), and maximal percentage of change in sCr (r = 0.36, p < 0.001). In receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, the area under the curve (AUC) of PRF (0.809) for CIN was significantly higher than those of SCF (0.490), IPF (0.594), and ECF (0.512). Multivariate logistic regression analysis further confirmed that thickness of PRF, rather than other adipose tissues, was independently associated with the development of CIN after adjusted for confounding factors (odds ratio (OR) = 1.53, 95% CI: 1.38-1.71, p < 0.001). Conclusions: PRF is independently associated with the development of CIN in T2DM patients undergoing coronary catheterization.

Natural recovery of cardiac allograft diastolic function, a retrospective longitudinal report.

Cardiac allografts suffer diastolic dysfunction early post-heart transplantation (HTx) due to ischemic injury, however the natural course of diastology recovery post HTx remains unknown (Tallaj et al., 2007 [1]). We retrospectively reviewed 60 adult HTx patients between 2015 and 2021 at a single site. Invasive hemodynamics and echocardiograms were obtained at 2 weeks and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months post-HTx. RA strain by 2D feature tracking was compared to intracardiac pressure measurements. In all patients, we observed normalization of RV and RA filling pressures by post-operative week 12 and recovery of diastolic dysfunction by month 6. There was an inverse correlation between RV end-diastolic pressure and RA contractile (r = -0.192, p < 0.05) and reservoir (r = -0.128, p < 0.05) functions in the allograft. As the post-transplant care paradigm shifts away from invasive procedures, right atrial indices should be included in imaging-based allograft surveillance studies.

Right-Ventricle Heart Failure in PAH vs. HFrEF with Secondary PH: Hemodynamic, Ergospirometric, and Organ Function Correlations.

PURPOSE: The goal of the study was to identify markers of organ function used in daily routines that could potentially aid in the overall evaluation of the cardiovascular system in patients with right-ventricle heart failure due to pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) and left-ventricle heart failure. We analyzed correlations between parameters from right heart catheterization (RHC), cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET), and selected laboratory parameters of thyroid, liver, kidneys function and iron homeostasis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A retrospective analysis included 107 patients (mean age 57.6±16.2; 34.6% women), comprising 57 patients with PAH (mean age 54.0±18.2; 49.1% women) and 50 patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) <40% (mean age 61.6±12.7; 18% women). All patients underwent CPET. Each patient in the PAH group had RHC performed. Fifteen patients from the HFrEF group underwent RHC, which confirmed the suspicion of pulmonary hypertension (HFrEF-SPH). RESULTS: CPET and laboratory parameters' analysis showed strong correlations between ventilation/carbon dioxide production (VE/VCO2) slope and NT-proBNP in HFrEF without secondary PH and HFrEF-SPH groups. In the PAH group, VE/VCO2 slope correlated with liver and thyroid function but also with morphological parameters of red-cell system. Analysis of correlations between laboratory and hemodynamic parameters revealed significant correlations between pulmonary arterial pressure, pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) and red-cell parameters, especially strong with fT4 in the PAH group. CONCLUSIONS: In HFrEF-SPH patients, laboratory parameters strongly correlated with pulmonary pressures and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure (PCWP).

Fast, automated, real-time 3D passive balloon catheter tracking during MRI-guided cardiac catheterization using orthogonal projection imaging and real-time image-based catheter detection.

PURPOSE: MRI-guidance of cardiac catheterization is currently performed using one or multiple 2D imaging planes, which may be suboptimal for catheter navigation, especially in patients with complex anatomies. The purpose of the work was to develop a robust real-time 3D catheter tracking method and 3D visualization strategy for improved MRI-guidance of cardiac catheterization procedures. METHODS: A fast 3D tracking technique was developed using continuous acquisition of two orthogonal 2D-projection images. Each projection corresponds to a gradient echo stack of slices with only the central k-space lines being collected for each slice. To enhance catheter contrast, a saturation pulse is added ahead of the projection pair. An offline image processing algorithm was developed to identify the 2D coordinates of the balloon in each projection image and to estimate its corresponding 3D coordinates. Post-processing includes background signal suppression using an atlas of background 2D-projection images. 3D visualization of the catheter and anatomy is proposed using three live sagittal, coronal, and axial (MPR) views and 3D rendering. The technique was tested in a subset of a catheterization step in three patients undergoing MRI-guided cardiac catheterization using a passive balloon catheter. RESULTS: The extraction of the catheter balloon 3D coordinates was successful in all patients and for the majority of time-points (accuracy >96%). This tracking method enabled a novel 3D visualization strategy for passive balloon catheter, providing enhanced anatomical context during catheter navigation. CONCLUSION: The proposed tracking strategy shows promise for robust tracking of passive balloon catheter and may enable enhanced visualization during MRI-guided cardiac catheterization.

Bacteriemia asociada a catéteres venosos centrales no tunelizados en niños en hemodiálisis crónica / Bacteremia associated with non-tunneled central venous catheters in children undergoing chronic hemodialysis

Introducción. La infección asociada a catéter venoso central (CVC) es la principal complicación que presentan los pacientes en hemodiálisis en los que se usa este tipo de acceso. Objetivo. Estimar la incidencia de bacteriemia asociada a CVC no tunelizado, analizar la frecuencia de agentes causales y explorar factores de riesgo asociados en niños en hemodiálisis. Población y métodos. Estudio retrospectivo realizado en niños en hemodiálisis por CVC no tunelizado entre el 1 junio de 2015 y el 30 de junio de 2019. Para evaluar factores de riesgo predictores de bacteriemia asociada a CVC, se realizó regresión logística. Los factores de riesgo independiente se expresaron con odds ratio con sus respectivos intervalos de confianza del 95 %. Se consideró estadísticamente significativo un valor de p <0,05. Resultados. En este estudio se incluyeron 121 CVC no tunelizados. La incidencia de bacteriemia fue de 3,15 por 1000 días de catéter. El microorganismo aislado con mayor frecuencia fue Staphylococcus epidermidis (16 casos, 51,5 %). La infección previa del catéter fue el único factor de riesgo independiente encontrado para el desarrollo de bacteriemia asociada a CVC no tunelizado (OR: 2,84; IC95%: 1,017,96; p = 0,04). Conclusiones. El uso prolongado de los CVC no tunelizados para hemodiálisis crónica se asoció con una incidencia baja de bacteriemia. Los gérmenes grampositivos predominaron como agentes causales. La presencia de infección previa del CVC aumentó en casi 3 veces el riesgo de bacteriemia asociada a CVC en nuestra población pediátrica en hemodiálisis.

Introduction. Central venous catheter (CVC)-related infection is the main complication observed in patients undergoing hemodialysis with this type of venous access. Objective. To estimate the incidence of non-tunneled CVC-related bacteremia, analyze the frequency ofcausative agents, and explore associated risk factors in children undergoing hemodialysis. Population and methods. Retrospective study in children receiving hemodialysis via a non-tunneled CVC between June 1 st, 2015 and June 30 th, 2019. A logistic regression was carried out to assess risk factors that were predictors of CVC-related bacteremia. Independent risk factors were described as odds ratios with their corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). A value of p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results. A total of 121 non-tunneled CVCs were included in this study. The incidence of bacteremia was 3.15 per 1000 catheter-days. The most commonly isolated microorganism was Staphylococcus epidermidis(16 cases, 51.5%). Prior catheter infection was the only independent risk factor for the development of bacteremia associated with non-tunneled CVC (OR: 2.84, 95% CI: 1.01­7.96, p = 0.04). Conclusions. Prolonged use of non-tunneled CVCs for chronic hemodialysis was associated with a low incidence of bacteremia. Gram-positive microorganisms prevailed among causative agents. A prior CVC infection almost trebled the risk for CVC-related bacteremia in our pediatric population receiving hemodialysis.