A retrospective study of subcutaneous anchor securement systems in oncology patients.

INTRODUCTION: Maintaining optimal central venous catheter tip position requires reliable catheter securement. A vital decision about the choice of engineered securement device is often made by what is conveniently available in the insertion kit or default clinical routine. The importance of continuous securement for oncology patients prompted the need for an evaluation of securement options currently available. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of two engineered securement devices to assist the oncology patient in reaching the end of their catheter need. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted to assess patients' ability to finish their therapy with one peripherally inserted central catheter. Implant and explant data for adult oncology patients was evaluated spanning 2007-2021. All patients received a PICC with either an adhesive securement device or a subcutaneous anchor securement system. RESULTS: Partial or complete dislodgement causing the unplanned removal of the PICC occurred at 12% for ASD and 0.4% for SASS (p < 0.0001). The probability of reaching the end of need with one PICC, regardless of the reason for premature removal, at 2 years for patients with an adhesive securement device was 68% (n = 944). For patients with a subcutaneous anchored securement device, it was over 95% (n = 8313). The difference in the probability of reaching the end of the need with one PICC between the two securement devices was calculated at (p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION: With over 9200 patients and more than a million catheter days, the results of this retrospective study demonstrate the SASS's superiority in assisting the patient to reach the end of need with a single PICC.

Vascular access device securement for oncology patients and those with chronic diseases.

This article presents three case studies, each discussing securement issues as they relate to the use of long-term vascular access devices from the perspectives of the clinician and the patient. The choice of securement should be weighed against the patient's activity level, duration of the line placement, infection risks and inevitable skin irritation caused by repeated replacement of adhesive securement. Living with a chronic illness requiring frequent infusions is difficult enough-worrying about the device being dislodged should not be an additional stressor.

Assessing and Restoring Patency in Midline Catheters.

Maintaining and restoring patency in midline catheters has been a significant issue in the hospitalized patient requiring a multitude of infusates and frequent blood specimen collection. Currently, clinicians may not use this device as often as clinically indicated because they lack an approved intervention to treat thrombotic occlusions. The purpose of this research was to show evidence that alteplase, a US Food and Drug Administration-approved thrombolytic for central vascular access devices, is a safe and effective thrombolytic for midline catheters. A prospective open label study of 497 midline catheters was conducted from July 2018 to December 2018. Of those studied, 112 devices were treated with 1 mg of alteplase, and 109 had patency restored with 1 dose. None of the 112 patients had a major adverse event, and only 1 minor event was recorded and was resolved without removal of the midline catheter. Treating occluded central vascular access devices with 2 mg of alteplase has been safe and effective since 2001. With this research, safety and efficacy appears to be established for 1 mg of alteplase, repeat times 1 mg if necessary, in midline catheters. With the option to treat patients with occluded midline catheters rather than replace, clinicians can reduce cost, increase patient satisfaction, and preserve vein health.

A proactive approach to combating venous depletion in the hospital setting.

This study focuses on the effects of infusion nurse specialists on the culture of an institution as it relates to infusion therapy practice. During the 18-month study, data were gathered on the outcomes of the proactive approach instituted by the infusion specialists. Outcomes assessed included phlebitis prevalence, peripherally inserted catheter placements, patient satisfaction scores, and ratio of catheters being placed by interventional radiology to the bedside placements. The study discusses the methods used by the infusion team in an attempt to change the approach to infusion therapy.