Manejo de PICC en el Servicio de Urgencias de un hospital universitario / Use of PICC at the University Hospital Emergency Unit

Para gestionar el capital venoso del paciente con seguridad y responsabilidad es necesario aumentar la calidad de los cuidados proporcionados, unificando y estandarizando los criterios de actuación, basándose siempre en la mejor evidencia científica. Las enfermeras de los Servicios de Urgencias deben aplicar la evidencia en el manejo del catéter venoso central de inserción periférica (PICC), conocer el protocolo aprobado por la Dirección Asistencial de su hospital y, sobre todo, evitar la variabilidad en la actuación, que podría aumentar los riesgos relacionados con la atención sanitaria, así como la desconfianza del paciente. Mantener actualizados los conocimientos y promover la adquisición de habilidades en la práctica clínica es de suma importancia para garantizar cuidados de calidad en el manejo de este tipo de catéteres, debiéndose comprobar periódicamente el grado de cumplimiento de la evidencia recogida en los protocolos existentes en el hospital. Las enfermeras tienen el reto de estar al día en el manejo de los accesos vasculares, y deben responder con seriedad y evidencia a los cuidados que necesitan los pacientes a los que se atienden. En este manuscrito se objetiva la necesidad de formar y capacitar de forma continua a los profesionales para el manejo adecuado del PICC. (AU)

In order to manage the venous resource of the patient safely and with responsibility, it is necessary to increase the quality of care provided, unifying and standardizing performance criteria, always based on the best scientific evidence. Emergency Unit nurses must apply evidence in their use of the peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC), they must know the protocol approved by the Patient Care Management in their hospital and, most of all, must avoid variability of action, which could increase the risks associated with healthcare as well as mistrust by patients. It is extremely important to keep an updated knowledge and to promote the acquisition of clinical practice skills, in order to guarantee quality care in the use of this type of catheters; the level of compliance of the evidence collected in the hospital protocols must be confirmed periodically. Nurses face the challenge of being updated in the management of vascular accesses, and must give response with seriousness and evidence to the care needed by their patients. This manuscript sets out objectively the need for continuous training and qualification for professionals regarding the adequate use of PICC. (AU)

Patrulla de catéteres: Análisis de la implementación de un equipo de colocación de catéteres percutáneos como estrategia menos invasiva para la terapia intravenosa / Catheter patrol: analysis of the implementation of a percutaneous catheter placement team as a less invasive strategy for intravenous therapy

En el año 2008 se creó el equipo de patrulla de catéteres para la colocación de catéteres percutáneos por punción directa para pacientes pediátricos en el Hospital de Pediatría Juan P. Garrahan, como estrategia para el cumplimiento de la terapia intravenosa. Diseño: Cohorte retrospectiva. Objetivo: evaluar resultados de la implementación de la patrulla de catéteres entre 2009 y 2013. Se analizaron factores asociados a complicaciones. Criterios de inclusión: catéteres colocados en unidades de cuidados intermedios por Enfermería de patrulla de catéteres en niños con edad entre 31 días a 17 años. Resultados: 2121 catéteres, 1,6 catéteres/paciente, edad mediana 6 años (r 1m- 17 años), permanencia mediana 9 días (7-12). Complicaciones más frecuentes: obstrucción 27,19%, desplazamiento 25,94%,ruptura 11,76%, traccionado por el paciente 11,08%, bacteriemia asociada a catéter 1,62 a 2,80 por 1000 días /catéter. La tasa de incidencia de complicaciones en los menores de 1 año fue 39,92 días catéter mientras que en los mayores de 1 año 31,14 días catéter; p=0,002, diámetro en fr y relación con complicaciones: 4fr 12,17 días/catéter, 3fr 24,25 días/catéter y 2fr 42,27dias/catéter, (p=0,000), no hubo diferencias según cantidad de lúmenes. Conclusiones: los resultados de este estudio sugieren que la edad del paciente, el tipo de cuidado y contención inciden en las complicaciones. Los dispositivos de aseguramiento deberán estar acordes a las necesidades y características del niño (AU)

In 2008, the catheter patrol team was created for the placement of percutaneous catheters by direct puncture for pediatric patients at Hospital de Pediatría Juan P. Garrahan, as a strategy to increase compliance with intravenous therapy. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Objective: to evaluate the results of the implementation of a catheter patrol between 2009 and 2013. Factors associated with complications were analyzed. Inclusion criteria: catheters placed in intermediate care units by catheter patrol nurses in children aged 31 days to 17 years. Results: 2121 catheters, 1.6 catheters/patient, median age 6 years (r 1m- 17 years), median stay 9 days (7-12). Most frequent complications: obstruction 27.19%, displacement 25.94%, rupture 11.76%, accidental pull-out by the patient 11.08%, catheter-associated bacteremia 1.62 to 2.80 per 1000 catheter-days. The incidence rate of complications in children under 1 year of age was 39.92 catheter-days while in those older than 1 year it was 31.14 catheter-days (p=0.002). Relationship between fr diameter and complications: 4fr 12.17 catheter-days, 3fr 24.25 catheter-days, and 2fr 42.27 catheter-days (p=0.000); there were no differences according to the number of lumens. Conclusions: the results of this study suggest that the age of the patient, the type of care, and containment have an impact on complications. Securement devices should be in agreement with the needs and characteristics of the child (AU)

Percutaneous intravenous catheter forceps biopsy in right atrial mass: two case reports and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Primary malignant tumors of the heart are rare. Although preoperative histological diagnosis is difficult, it has paramount value in therapeutic strategy development and prognostic estimation. Herein, we reported 2 cases of intracardiac tumors. CASES PRESENTATION: Both patients presented to the hospital with heart-related symptoms. Echocardiography showed massive masses in the atrium and positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET/CT) revealed hypermetabolism and invasiveness. One patient cannot take surgery due to extensive metastasis and poor condition. The other patient was primarily diagnosed with lymphoma, and surgery was not recommended. They successfully underwent intravenous atrial biopsy, and histological samples confirmed intimal sarcoma and diffuse large B cell lymphoma. Based on immunohistochemical and molecular assessments, targeted chemotherapy was administered, resulting in clinical and imaging remission at discharge. CONCLUSIONS: Percutaneous intravenous catheter biopsy as a safe invasive test provides an accurate pathological diagnosis after imaging evaluation, and offers a therapeutic direction. Nonmalignant masses and some chemo-radiosensitive malignant tumors in the atrium could have good prognosis after targeted therapy.

Retrograde use of the Outback re-entry catheter in complex infrainguinal arterial recanalizations.

OBJECTIVE/BACKGROUND: Retrograde recanalizations gained increasing recognition in complex arterial occlusive disease. Re-entry devices are a well-described adjunct for antegrade recanalizations. We present our experience with retrograde, infrainguinal recanalizations using the Outback re-entry catheter in challenging chronic total occlusions. METHODS: We report data from a retrospective multicenter registry in complex retrograde recanalizations. Eligibility criteria included retrograde infrainguinal use of the Outback re-entry catheter where both conventional antegrade and retrograde recanalizations had been unsuccessful. Procedural outcomes included technical success (defined as successful wire passage and delivery of adjunctive therapy with <30% residual stenosis), safety (periprocedural complications, eg, bleeding, vessel injury, or occlusion of the artery at the re-entry site, and distal embolizations), and clinical outcome (amputation-free survival and freedom from clinically driven target lesion revascularization [cd-TLR]). RESULTS: Forty-five consecutive patients underwent retrograde, infrainguinal recanalization attempts with the Outback re-entry catheter between February 2015 and August 2020. Thirty (67%) patients had a history of open vascular surgery in the index limb. In four patients, recanalizations were even more challenging due to previous surgical removal and/or ligation of the proximal segment of the superficial femoral artery. The retrograde access site of the Outback catheter was the femoropopliteal segment in 31 (69%) patients and crural vessels in 14 (31%) patients. The re-entry target sites were as follows: common femoral artery in 31 (69%) patients, superficial femoral artery in 9 (20%) patients, popliteal artery in 1 patient, and below-the-knee arteries in 2 patients. In four patients, the needle of the re-entry device was targeted to an inflated balloon, inserted via the antegrade route. The Outback re-entry catheter was placed via a 6-French sheath in 19 (42%) cases and sheathless in 26 (58%) cases. Technical success was achieved in 41 (91%) patients There were two instances of distal embolizations and three bleeding episodes. Amputation-free survival was 100% at 30 days, and after 12 months, freedom from cd-TLR was 95% at 30 days and 75% at 12 months of follow-up. Female sex was an independent predictor for cd-TLR at 12 months of follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Retrograde use of the Outback re-entry catheter in infrainguinal chronic total occlusions provides an effective and safe endovascular adjunct, when conventional antegrade and retrograde recanalization attempts have failed.

Sheath Size Up and Down With Single Proglide - A Technique for Achieving Hemostasis With Use of Large Size Delivery System During Endovascular Graft Placement.

BACKGROUND: A total percutaneous approach for management of aortic pathologies with endovascular grafts requires the use of large size delivery-systems. The diameter of these delivery systems usually exceeds the recommended sizes for most of the currently available percutaneous closure devices. A safe, effective and simple vascular access site closure device is desirable for success for percutaneous procedures for aortic pathologies. Hence, we aim to study safety and effectiveness of the use of a single suture based vascular access closure device (ProGlide) using a technique involving serial up and downsizing of the sheath size to achieve access site hemostasis in patients undergoing endovascular graft placement using femoral artery approach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We studied all consecutive patients who underwent endovascular grafting from January 2018 to December 2019. It is a retrospective observational study comparing procedural and short-term outcomes between single ProGlide use and surgical cut-down for femoral access site closure. We excluded patients with femoral artery minimal luminal diameter less than 5 mm, the presence of an aneurysm of the femoral artery, ≥180 degrees of calcium present at femoral/ external iliac artery and history of any vascular closure device use in the last six months. RESULTS: We included 30 patients in single ProGlide group and 30 patients in the surgical cut-down group. One-third of the procedures were urgent procedures in the single Proglide group. Single ProGlide was successful in 93.34% patients and failure (6.66%) was seen due to hematoma and pseudoaneurysm in one patient each detected before discharge. The primary end-point defined by the success of procedure did not differ between the two groups. There were higher complications in the surgical group till 30 days as evidenced by infection, hematoma and neuronal injury. The secondary end-point, defined by the composite of complication events after discharge till 30 days was significantly higher in the surgical group (P-0.005) CONCLUSION: In patients with suitable femoral artery anatomy who undergo endovascular graft placement, effective hemostasis can be achieved safely using up and downsizing of the sheath with a single suture-based technique (Proglide). The results of the study could be considered hypothesis generating and needs to be confirmed in a randomized controlled trial before being adopted in clinical practice.

Análise do efeito da padronização das medidas de prevenção de infeção da corrente sanguínea relacionada ao cateter central de inserção periférica em recém-nascidos na unidade de terapia intensiva neonatal / Analysis of the effect of standardization of bloodstream infection prevention measures related to peripherally inserted central catheters in newborns in the neonatal intensive care unit

Introdução: O uso do cateter central de inserção periférica na Neonatologia tem contribuídosignificativamente para reduzir a mortalidade neonatal nas Unidades de Terapia IntensivaNeonatais. Essa prática intravenosa segura favorece a estabilização hemodinâmica do recémnascido e possibilita a administração de drogas vesicantes, irritantes e de nutrição parenteral.O objetivo principal deste estudo foi de analisar o efeito da padronização das medidas deprevenção de infecção durante a inserção e o manuseio do cateter venoso central deinserção periférica pelo time de cateteres na incidência da Infecção da Catheter-RelatedBloodstream infection (CRBSI) em recém-nascidos na Unidade de Terapia IntensivaNeonatal. Metodologia: Esta tese está dividida em três estudos. 1) Protocolo de revisãosistemática, em que se aborda a prevalência de complicações associadas ao uso de PICCs emrecém-nascidos (RNs); 2) Coorte prospectiva, em que se avaliaram os fatores de risco para odesenvolvimento de infecção da corrente sanguínea relacionada ao cateter (CRBIS) emrecém-nascidos; 3) Coorte com análise retro e prospectiva, que analisou os efeitos dapadronização das medidas de prevenção de infecção adotadas pelo time de PICC sob onúmero de casos de CRBSI em neonatos na Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Neonatal.Resultados: No artigo 1, observou-se a prevalência de complicações decorrentes do manejoinadequado do PICC nos RNs, informação considerada importante para o aprimoramento daprática clínica. No artigo 2, verificou-se que a maioria da amostra foi composta de prematuros,com peso inadequado, distúrbios respiratórios e cardiopatia, mas não houve associação dessasvariáveis com a CRBSI. Neonatos com PICC nos membros superiores apresentaram maiorrisco de CRBSI (RR=2,84; IC95% 1,02-6,85). No artigo 3, analisaram-se 365 recémnascidos que usaram o PICC e que foram submetidos a 563 procedimentos de inserção decateteres, dos quais 69 apresentaram CRBSI, o que confere uma incidência de CRBSI de12,3%. Na análise das características relacionadas ao procedimento de inserção do PICC nosneonatos em função da notificação de CRBSI, as variáveis significativamente associadas àocorrência de CRBSI foram o vaso acessado (p=0,002) e a posição do cateter(p=0,005). Naanálise estatística das variáveis relacionadas à terapêutica infusional, observou-sesignificância estatística na associação entre a ocorrência da CRBSI e o uso de dois ATBdurante o primeiro esquema de antibioticoterapia, o qual apresentou o valor de p<0,05. 7Efeito da padronização das medidas de prevenção de infecção da corrente sanguíneaTambém se constatou que foram descritos oito grupos de patógenos envolvidos nos 69 casosde CRBSI - os mais comuns foram relacionados à CRBSI em recém-nascidos com PICC,como as Enterobactérias (5,2%), Staphylococcus coagulase negativa(3,4%) eStaphylococcus coagulase positiva (2,0%). Conclusão: O estudo indicou que os times decateteres são importantes nas unidades de terapia intensiva neonatais, sobretudo quandoadotam condutas baseadas em evidências científicas que fundamentam a sistematização doprocesso de trabalho para o devido monitoramento dos fatores de risco relacionados àincidência de CRBSI em RN, a vigilância durante realização do procedimento e a terapêuticainfusional. Contudo, o efeito da padronização das medidas de prevenção adotadas pelotime de cateteres na UTIN tem impactado a redução do desenvolvimento de infecção dacorrente sanguínea relacionada ao cateter (AU).

Introduction: The use of peripherally inserted central catheter in neonatology hassignificantly contributed to the reduction of neonatal mortality in neonatal intensive care units.It is safe intravenous practice favors the hemodynamic stabilization of the newborn, allowsthe administration of vesicant drugs, irritants and parenteral nutrition. Therefore, this studyhas as main objective to analyze the effect of the standardization of infection preventionmeasures during the insertion and handling of the peripherally inserted central venouscatheter by the catheter team on the incidence of CRBSI in newborns in the NeonatalIntensive Care Unit. Methodology: The thesis is divided into three studies. 1) Systematicreview protocol, which addresses the prevalence of complications associated with the use ofPICCs in newborns (NBs); 2) prospective cohort that evaluated risk factors for thedevelopment of catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBIS) in newborns; 3) cohort withretro and prospective analysis, which analyzed the effect of the standardization of infectionprevention measures adopted by the PICC team on the number of CRBSI cases in neonates inthe Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Results: in article 1 it was observed the prevalence ofcomplications resulting from inadequate management of the PICC in NBs, informationconsidered important for the improvement of clinical practice. In article 2, it was found thatthe majority of the sample was composed of premature infants, with inadequate weight,respiratory disorders and heart disease, but there was no association of these variables withthe CRBSI. Neonates with PICC in the upper limbs had a higher risk of CRBSI(RR=2.84;95%CI 1.02-6.85). At article 3 analyzed 365 newborns who used the PICC, who underwent563 catheter insertion procedures, of which 69 had CRBSI, giving an incidence of CRBSI of12.3%. In the analysis of the characteristics related to the PICC insertion procedure inneonates due to the CRBSI notification, the variables significantly associated with theoccurrence of CRBSI were the vessel accessed (p=0.002) and catheter position(p=0.005). Inthe statistical analysis of the variables related to infusion therapy, a statistical significance wasobserved in the association between the occurrence of CRBSI and the use of two ATBduring the first antibiotic therapy regimen, which presented a value of p<0.05. There wasalso a description of 8 groups of pathogens involved in the 69 cases of CRBSI, the most 9Efeito da padronização das medidas de prevenção de infecção da corrente sanguíneacommon pathogens related to CRBSI in newborns with PICC being Enterobacteriaceae(5.2%), coagulase-negative Staphylococcus (3.4%) and Coagulase positive Staphylococcus(2.0%). Conclusion: it was observed In the statistical analysis of the variables related toinfusion therapy, especially when they adopt procedures based on scientific evidence, whichunderlie thesystematization of the work process for the proper monitoring of risk factorsrelated to the incidence of CRBSI in newborns, surveillance during the procedure, andinfusion therapy. However, it is observed that effect of standardization of preventionmeasures adopted by the catheter team in the UTIN have had an impact on thereduction of development of cateter related bloodstream infection (AU).

Wrist Extension Does Not Change the Position of the Radial Artery: Cadaveric Study With Application to Arterial Line Placement, and Transradial Neurointerventional Procedures.

BACKGROUND: The radial artery is gaining popularity as a vascular access site for neurointerventional procedures. However, recent analyses of wrist position and radial artery anatomy has suggested that the extended position of the wrist is not always necessary. Therefore, the following cadaveric study was performed to verify these findings. METHODS: Twenty adult cadaveric upper limbs underwent dissection of the radial artery. The radial artery was exposed but left in its anatomical position. With the hand supinated, the wrist was extended to 45 degrees and 90 degrees. Observations were then made of any movement of the artery during these ranges of motion. Next, a tension gauge was attached to the radial artery and any tension on the artery measured during the above noted ranges of motion. RESULTS: During extension of the wrist, none of the radial artery specimens was found to move in any direction. Moreover, an average of only 0.28 N of tension on the artery was found with wrist extension up to 90 degrees. Our cadaveric study found that, contrary to popular belief, extension of the wrist during cannulation of the radial artery does not change the position of the artery nor does it significantly alter the tension on the artery. CONCLUSIONS: These data support several recent clinical studies.

Endovascular Snare Facilitates Difficult Transfemoral Target Vessel Cannulation During Fenestrated and Branched Endovascular Aortic Aneurysm Repair.

We developed a novel technique using an endovascular snare system to stabilize target vessel cannulation via transfemoral access during fenestrated and branched endovascular aortic aneurysm repair (FBEVAR) in patients with challenging target vessel anatomy. This technique uses a snare, an outer sheath, and an inner delivery sheath to facilitate target vessel cannulation and stenting during FBEVAR. With the outer sheath positioned in the lower end of the partially deployed aortic graft and the delivery sheath within, a large snare is advanced through the outer sheath and over the outside of the delivery sheath until it reaches the curved portion of the delivery sheath at the level of the target vessel. The snare is then tightened to provide stability and maintain proper curvature and alignment of the delivery sheath while the target vessel is selected and stented. Following successful passage, the snare is loosened and removed from the body via the outer sheath. This snare technique is a simple, effective, and inexpensive tool that can be used for difficult target vessel cannulation during FBEVAR.

Renal denervation in a patient with a highly tortuous renal artery using a guide extension catheter: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Catheter-based renal denervation (RDN) has been introduced to treat resistant hypertension. Although the technology of RDN has been largely improved, denervation of tortuous renal arteries remains challenging. CASE PRESENTATION: This is a case report of a 49-year-old man with drug resistant hypertension. The patient was selected for RDN after ruling out possible causes of secondary hypertension. Computed tomography angiography showed a highly tortuous left renal artery. An Iberis multielectrode ablation catheter failed to reach the target vessel with a regular guiding catheter. A 5-French extension catheter was introduced into the proximal segment of the main left renal artery to provide extra support force, which enabled successful ablation of the highly tortuous left renal artery. His ambulatory blood pressure was significantly decreased at 1 month follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: It is feasible and effective to use a guide extension catheter for denervation of highly tortuous renal arteries. The present study provides a useful method to ablate tortuous and angled renal arteries and branches.

Novel use of a midline catheter for therapeutic and donor apheresis in children and adults.

BACKGROUND: Apheresis procedures require adequate vascular access to achieve optimal inlet flow rates. While central lines provide such access, their placement and use are associated with risks; some of these risks are minimized if peripheral intravenous access can be established. However, peripheral intravenous access is associated with challenges in the pediatric setting. Research indicates that midline catheters reduce the use of CVADs and their associated risks. The use of midline catheters for apheresis has been reported recently in adults, but no studies have been published on their use in children. Thus, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the use of midline catheters for apheresis in the pediatric setting. METHODS: A retrospective observational study was conducted to evaluate the safety and efficacy of midline catheters in subjects who underwent apheresis at a pediatric hospital from April 2018 to August 2020. Demographic data, clinical data (diagnosis, procedure, catheter size, body mass), and outcome data (inlet flow rate, total blood volume [TBV] processed, procedure time, and cell counts) were collected. RESULTS: Eighteen subjects received a total of 100 midline catheters for 73 apheresis procedures. Inlet flow rates ranged from 45 to 80 mL/min, TBV ranged from 2872 to 20 000 mL, and procedure time ranged from 1.25 to 7 hours. Inlet flow rates met or exceeded the recommended inlet flow rates for apheresis in children and adults (P < .0001). No adverse events occurred. CONCLUSION: Midline catheters provide safe and effective vascular access for apheresis. Future research should include younger patients with lower body mass.

Efficacy and Safety of Plastic Cannulae Compared with Metal Needles in the Initial Use of an Arteriovenous Fistulae in Incident Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Controlled Study.

INTRODUCTION: Successful cannulation of an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) is important in patients starting hemodialysis (HD). Metal needles have been used for decades, but the usefulness of plastic cannulae has recently been demonstrated as a new technique. METHODS: This was a prospective, randomized, open-label study of incident HD patients. Eligible patients were randomized into 2 groups in a 1:1 ratio (n = 45/group). Maturation of the AVF was confirmed using Doppler ultrasound prior to first needling, and 2 well-trained nurses implemented the AVF cannulation. The primary endpoint was the initial cannulation failure rate, defined as the failure of successful completion of 3 consecutive dialysis sessions. The secondary endpoints were time for hemostasis at the end of HD, degree of patients' pain, degree of cannulation difficulty felt by the nursing staffs, and achieving optimal HD adequacy. RESULTS: The mean elapsed time from AVF creation to the first cannulation was 48.1 ± 16.7 days. A total of 17 cases of cannulation failure occurred, and the failure risk tended to be higher in the metal needle group than the plastic cannula group (hazard ratio 2.6, 95% confidence interval 0.95-7.41) after adjusting for age, gender, comorbidities, and AVF location. The overall incidence of vessel injury was higher and time for hemostasis was significantly longer in the metal group than the plastic group. The use of plastic cannula was associated with a better HD adequacy compared to a metal needle. However, the patients' pain score (p = 0.004) and nursing staff's cannulation difficulty score (p = 0.084) were higher in the plastic group, emphasizing the great importance of practice using plastic cannulae. CONCLUSION: The vascular outcomes of plastic cannulae were much favorable compared to metal needles in incident HD patients. The use of plastic cannulae could be a new and innovative way to improve the quality of dialysis.

Is a 20 gauge fenestrated intravenous catheter non-inferior to a 18 gauge standard catheter for apheresis procedures? A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral venous access has been promoted as the safest, quickest, and most easily achievable route for performing apheresis procedures by the American Society for Apheresis' Choosing Wisely campaign. The current literature regarding catheter size and selection for both draw and return access is limited. Furthermore, the Infusion Nurses Society recommends using the smallest gauge catheter possible for the prescribed therapy in order to limit vein trauma and phlebitis. Since there is a lack of evidence to guide selection of catheter size for return access during therapeutic apheresis procedures (TAPs) for patients with chronic conditions, this pilot study seeks to compare the performance of a 20-gauge fenestrated (20G) catheter to a standard 18-gauge (18G) intravenous catheter. METHODS: This non-inferiority pilot study randomized 26 subjects during 74 TAPs to either 20G fenestrated catheter or 18G standard catheter. RESULTS: There were no statistically significant differences for variables associated with the efficiency of the TAPs comparing 20G to 18G catheter for inlet rate (P = .8666), return pressure (P = .9427), blood processed (P = .4318), or total procedure time (P = .3184). CONCLUSION: The results from this pilot study suggest that 20G fenestrated catheter is non-inferior to 18G standard catheters. Additional studies with increased power are warranted to confirm these findings.

Effect of infusion set replacement intervals on catheter-related bloodstream infections (RSVP): a randomised, controlled, equivalence (central venous access device)-non-inferiority (peripheral arterial catheter) trial.

BACKGROUND: The optimal duration of infusion set use to prevent life-threatening catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) is unclear. We aimed to compare the effectiveness and costs of 7-day (intervention) versus 4-day (control) infusion set replacement to prevent CRBSI in patients with central venous access devices (tunnelled cuffed, non-tunnelled, peripherally inserted, and totally implanted) and peripheral arterial catheters. METHODS: We did a randomised, controlled, assessor-masked trial at ten Australian hospitals. Our hypothesis was CRBSI equivalence for central venous access devices and non-inferiority for peripheral arterial catheters (both 2% margin). Adults and children with expected greater than 24 h central venous access device-peripheral arterial catheter use were randomly assigned (1:1; stratified by hospital, catheter type, and intensive care unit or ward) by a centralised, web-based service (concealed before allocation) to infusion set replacement every 7 days, or 4 days. This included crystalloids, non-lipid parenteral nutrition, and medication infusions. Patients and clinicians were not masked, but the primary outcome (CRBSI) was adjudicated by masked infectious diseases physicians. The analysis was modified intention to treat (mITT). This study is registered with the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ACTRN12610000505000 and is complete. FINDINGS: Between May 30, 2011, and Dec, 9, 2016, from 6007 patients assessed, we assigned 2944 patients to 7-day (n=1463) or 4-day (n=1481) infusion set replacement, with 2941 in the mITT analysis. For central venous access devices, 20 (1·78%) of 1124 patients (7-day group) and 16 (1·46%) of 1097 patients (4-day group) had CRBSI (absolute risk difference [ARD] 0·32%, 95% CI -0·73 to 1·37). For peripheral arterial catheters, one (0·28%) of 357 patients in the 7-day group and none of 363 patients in the 4-day group had CRBSI (ARD 0·28%, -0·27% to 0·83%). There were no treatment-related adverse events. INTERPRETATION: Infusion set use can be safely extended to 7 days with resultant cost and workload reductions. FUNDING: Australian National Health and Medical Research Council.

A Clampless Technique to Facilitate Successful End-to-End Anastomosis in Small Vessels With Spasm.

End-to-end anastomosis in small arteries can be challenging, especially when the stumps are in spasm after traumatic transection. We describe a novel technique to facilitate such anastomoses under local anesthesia, presenting a 24-year old patient who suffered complete traumatic transection of the left ulnar artery. After having found and prepared the proximal and distal stumps, a soft polyurethane feeding tube (La-med Healthcare, India) and a vein cannula were inserted in the proximal and distal stump, respectively, without using vascular clamps. The manipulation of the catheters offered excellent visualization and widening of the anastomotic line, enabling simultaneous infusion of heparinized saline or vasodilating agents. The anastomosis was completed with no stenosis and pulpable pulses were restored immediately postoperatively. At 1-month follow-up, the Allen test was normal with a normal regular flow of the ulnar artery at duplex ultrasound. The described technique ensures efficient sealing avoiding clamping, casts the small lumens, provides optimal visualization of the anastomotic aspects and prevents stenosis. We believe it should have a place in the surgeon's armamentarium.