Editorial Type:
Article Category: Research Article
 | 
Online Publication Date: 01 Jun 2018

Bedside Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Tip Confirmation: A Direct Savings Analysis

MD,
MD, MS, and
RN, FNP
Page Range: 96 – 101
DOI: 10.1016/j.java.2018.01.005
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Abstract

Peripherally inserted central catheter use has increased dramatically over the past decade, parallel to health care costs. Traditional bedside peripherally inserted central catheter placement requires anthropometric measurements of estimated catheter length and confirmation of appropriate tip positioning via chest radiograph. Newer bedside technology, using magnet and electrocardiogram capabilities, seeks to replace the traditional method with equal efficacy but less overall cost. The need for follow-up chest radiograph can been removed, a significant cost savings in direct patient care. In this retrospective case control study, we examine costs related to these 2 tip confirmation methods while assessing overall cost savings to the health care industry.

Keywords: central venous catheter; health care costs; cost savings
Copyright: Copyright © 2018 Association for Vascular Access.
Figure 1
Figure 1

Intravascular lead demonstrating maximum positive P-wave (bold arrows), corresponding to tip position at the cavoatrial junction.

Figure 2
Figure 2

Direct procedural costs savings. aThe actual cost savings calculated spans 4 months, the time frame that the 3CG/TCS system was deployed. bProjected annual savings = $80,217.75. cProjected savings per patient per year = $150. 3CG/TCS = Bard Sherlock 3CG Tip Confirmation System (Bard Access Systems, Salt Lake City, UT); CXR = Chest radiograph.

Contributor Notes

Correspondence concerning this article should be addressed to spatel30@cookcountyhhs.org
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