Abstract

Introduction: A persistent left superior vena cava is one of the most common thoracic vascular anomalies, present in approximately 0.5% of the general population. The most common presentation is both a right and left superior vena cava, communicating through an innominate vein. In rare cases, complete absence of a right sided superior vena cava may have dispersion of pacemaker and conduction tissue leading to abnormal electrocardiography readings.

Case Description: This case report describes the insertion of a peripherally inserted central catheter via the right basilic vein utilising ultrasound and electrocardiographic guidance during which atypical P-waves were noted. Post procedure chest x-ray found the catheter to be positioned to the left side of the chest.

Discussion and Evaluation: Initial management was to assess whether the catheter was placed in the arterial system. Catheter transduction and blood gas analysis demonstrated the peripherally inserted central catheter was situated in the venous system. Computer tomography was then used to assess the patient's vasculature, demonstrating a persistent left vena cava with absence of a right vena cava.

Conclusion: This case describes the successful placement of a right basilic peripherally inserted central catheter in a patient with a persistent left vena cava with an absent right superior vena cave using ultrasound and electrocardiographic guidance.

Abstract

A 42-year-old woman with past medical history of intravenous drug abuse was admitted to hospital with fever and heart murmur. A peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) was inserted because the patient had poor venous access. Transesophageal echocardiography was done to rule out infective endocarditis. The test showed thrombus attached to the PICC line. Thrombus arising from a catheter is known complication of PICCs. Classifications of right heart thromboembolism (RHTE) are based on morphology. Type A thrombi are highly mobile and may prolapse through the tricuspid valve. Conversely, type B thrombi are attached to the right atrial or ventricular wall and may originate in association with foreign bodies or in structurally abnormal chambers. RHTEs are associated with pulmonary embolism in approximately 4%–6% of cases and increase the 3-month mortality rate from 16% to 29%. On echocardiography, partial dissection of the superior vena cava (SVC) was also noted. This is a very rare complication of PICC. To the best of our knowledge this is the first reported case of PICC-induced thrombosis with partial dissection of SVC. The PICC line was removed and echocardiography postremoval did not show any thrombus. The patient remained asymptomatic without any signs of hemodynamically significant pulmonary embolism. SVC dissection was also managed conservatively. Use of central venous catheters in clinical practice is increasing but it is not a benign procedure. It may be associated with serious complications.

Abstract

Background: Insertion of totally implanted venous access devices; that is, port systems, in the forearm is an option for long-term venous access. To better understand the radiology literature reported for this anatomic location, we performed a search for, and an analysis of, previous publications related to forearm implantation of these devices by interventional radiology department personnel.

Materials and Methods: A review of the literature was performed for articles describing radiology implantation of forearm ports. Articles published between 1990 and 2015 were reviewed.

Results: Eleven articles were found that met the review criteria. None were randomized studies and only 1 was a prospective study. All of the other studies were retrospective reviews of a variety of different port devices. An analysis of these articles was performed.

Conclusions: Forearm port implantation had high technical success rates (range, 98%–100%; mean, 99.7%). A wide variety of complications were encountered, none of which exceeded the Society of Interventional Radiology threshold levels for complications associated with port insertion. A subset of the studies were upper arm venipunctures with the port catheter and housing subsequently implanted in the forearm distal to the antecubital fossa.

Abstract

Vascular access specialists are brought into many difficult situations that stretch their ability to provide appropriate care to patients who have complicated medical and personal histories. In the following case, a hospital was challenged to provide appropriate care while remaining responsible and compassionate throughout the duration of infusate delivery.

Abstract

The benefits of reduction in central line-associated bloodstream infections at Banner Boswell Medical Center in Sun City, Arizona, include decreased expenses and increased efficiency, quality of care, and patient satisfaction; improved patient outcomes with proper device selection; 24 hours a day, 7 days a week specialized registered respiratory therapist and lines team availability; standardization of peripherally inserted central catheter and central venous catheter insertions, maintenance, and removal; better workflow; and resource and cost center centralization.

Abstract

Background: The 2016 Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice no longer require that low pH (<5) medications be administered via central venous access devices. Nevertheless, the practice of placing PICCs for vancomycin administration often persists.

Purpose: To demonstrate the safety and efficacy of intravenous vancomycin administration through a short and long term midline catheter.

Methodology: A retrospective chart review was performed on 1086 patients who received intravenous vancomycin through a midline catheter.

Results: There were no catheter-associated bloodstream infections and no deep vein thromboses. Phlebitis occurred rarely (0.6%), as did benign infiltrations (1.2%). There were no extravasation injuries.

Conclusions: These outcomes summarize more than 5 years of experience administering intravenous vancomycin (4 mg/mL) safely and cost-efficiently through a nontrimmable midline catheter.

Abstract

Parenteral nutrition is administered through a central venous catheter(CVC). Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) are appropriate for home parenteral nutrition (HPN). The objective of this study was to examine a group of HPN patients with a PICC in place for more than six months, and the complications associated with PICC removal. Medical records from one home infusion pharmacy were retrospectively reviewed for PICC characteristics and complications leading to removal. Nineteen adult HPN patients had 26 PICC placements. Total PICC days were 22,262 with a mean of 856 (265–2500) days. Seven PICCs were in place for 3 to greater than 5 years. The overall complication rate was 0.58/1000 CVC days. Catheter related bloodstream infection (CRBSI) was the main cause of PICC removal. There was no evidence of symptomatic thrombosis. Patients experienced no infusion related complications. The PICCs were 88% polyurethane, 65% double lumen, and 54% were 5 Fr. No patient received alcohol or antibiotic lock therapy, and 8 patients had successful alteplase administered at least one time. All patients needed caregiver assistance for site care and dressing changes, but were independent in HPN infusion and flushing. This group of patients demonstrated that PICCs are a viable option HPN administration. The PICC overall complication rate was very low, and the most frequent complication leading to removal was CRBSI. The infection rate of 0.36/1000 CVC days is considered very low in an HPN population. This is the only HPN infusion study to date reporting 7 PICCs lasting 3 or more years, with 2 lasting greater than 5 years without complications resulting in removal. Patients received their prescribed therapy reliably and without interruption with this device. Larger studies are needed to confirm the efficacy of maintaining a PICC for very long-term HPN administration.