Long-term effects on tibial growth after intraosseous infusion: a prospective, radiographic analysis

Finding the most suitable puncture site for intraosseous access in term and preterm neonates: an ultrasound-based anatomical pilot study

The purpose of this prospective ultrasound-based pilot study was to identify the most suitable tibial puncture site for intraosseous (IO) access in term and preterm neonates, describe tibial dimensions at this site, and provide anatomical landmarks for rapid localization. We measured the tibial dimensions and distances to anatomical landmarks at puncture sites A (proximal: 10 mm distal to the tibial tuberosity; distal: 10 mm proximal to the malleolus medialis) and B (chosen by palpation of the pediatrician), in 40 newborns in four weight groups (< 1000 g; 1000-2000 g, 2000-3000 g, and 3000-4000 g). Sites were rejected if they fell short of the assumed safety distance to the tibial growth plate of 10 mm. If both A and B were rejected, puncture site C was determined sonographically at the maximum tibial diameter while maintaining the safety distance. Puncture site A violated the safety distance in 53% and 85% (proximally and distally, respectively) and puncture site B in 38% and 33%. In newborns weighing 3000-4000 g, at median (IQR), the most suitable puncture site at the proximal tibia was 13.0 mm (12.0-15.8) distal to the tuberosity and 6.0 mm (4.0-8.0) medial to the anterior rim of the tibia. The median (IQR) diameters at this site were 8.3 mm (7.9-9.1) (transverse) and 9.2 mm (8.9-9.8) (anterior-posterior). The diameters increased significantly with increasing weight.  Conclusion: This study adds concise, practical information on the implementation of IO access in neonatal patients: the tibial dimensions in newborns in four different weight groups and initial data on anatomical landmarks to easily locate the IO puncture site. The results may help implement IO access in newborns more safely. What is Known: • Intraosseous access is a feasible option for emergency administration of vital drugs and fluids in newborns undergoing resuscitation when an umbilical venous catheter is impossible to place. • Severe complications of IO access due to malpositioned IO needles have been reported in neonates. What is New: • This study reports the most suitable tibial puncture sites for IO access and the tibial dimensions, in newborns of four weight groups. • The results can help to implement safe IO access in newborns.

Risk stratification of extravasation during semi-automatic intraosseous device use in a pediatric emergency setting

BACKGROUND

The semi-automatic intraosseous device (EZ-IO®) is useful for safely securing intraosseous access. There are some complications associated with its use but few studies have examined the risk factors. The present study aimed to investigate the risk factors for extravasation as a complication of EZ-IO use in pediatric patients.

METHODS

This study is a secondary analysis of a previous, monocentric, retrospective study conducted in Japan describing the use of EZ-IO in a pediatric emergency department. The patients included in the study were younger than 16 years of age with EZ-IO use at the Tokyo Metropolitan Children's Medical Center between January, 2013 and August, 2018. The factors analyzed included demographic information (sex, age, weight), Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS), diagnosis, bolus infusion, and lidocaine use. The primary endpoint was the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for extravasation incidence.

RESULTS

Seventy-two patients were enrolled; 14 of these had extravasation, 39 (54.2%) had a diagnosis of cardiac arrest, and 50 (69.4%) had a GCS score of 8 or less. Statistical analysis demonstrated that the group with a high GCS score was significantly associated with extravasation: GCS (<13) versus GCS (13≦) (OR: 12.25; 95% CI: 2.54-59.15; p < 0.01), GCS (<8) versus GCS (8≦) (OR: 4.78; 95% CI: 1.34-17.01; p = 0.03).

CONCLUSIONS

A high GCS score was associated with extravasation in EZ-IO use significantly more often than a low GCS score. No significant difference was found in the other endpoints.

Intraosseous vascular access using the EZ-IO can be safely maintained in the adult proximal humerus and proximal tibia for up to 48 h: Report of a clinical study

BACKGROUND

Historically, intraosseous (IO) vascular access devices cleared to market by the US FDA have been restricted to 24-h use. An observational study was conducted to determine the safety of IO access for a period up to 48 h in adult volunteers.

METHODS

A 2-arm randomized, stratified, parallel assignment, prospective interventional study was conducted at ICON Early Phase Services in San Antonio, Texas, United States. Study subjects were adult volunteers who were healthy or with a history of mild to moderate renal disease and/or controlled diabetes. Subjects were randomized to receive IO access (Arrow EZ-IO Vascular Access System, Teleflex Medical Incorporated, Morrisville, NC, USA) in the proximal humerus or the proximal tibia and maintain the indwelling catheter for 48 h. Subjects were monitored for the entire dwell time. A culture specimen was drawn from the indwelling catheter tip before removal and insertion site x-rays were taken.

RESULTS

121 subjects were randomized: 79 healthy, 39 with diabetes, and three with diabetes and renal insufficiency. The mean catheter dwell time was 48.0 ± 0.2 h. Overall first attempt success rate was 98.4%. Infusion pain was the most commonly reported adverse event. There were no serious complications or unanticipated adverse events.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first known study examining the safety of IO access over a 48-h dwell time. The study corroborates the literature findings, demonstrates device safety, and provides evidence supporting the extended indication for a dwell time to 48 h in adult patients. IO placement and infusion best practices/guidelines were confirmed or established.

Use of Intraosseous Vascular Access During Neonatal Resuscitation at a Tertiary Center

Introduction: Emergency vascular access is rarely required during neonatal resuscitation. We aimed to analyze frequency of use, success, and complication rates of intraosseous (IO) vascular access in neonates at a single tertiary neonatal intensive care unit. Method: We performed a questionnaire-based survey among pediatric residents, pediatricians, and neonatologists, asking for the use of IO access in neonates between April 1st, 2015, and April 30th, 2020. We then reviewed electronic patient charts of all identified neonates for demographic data as well as indications and complications of IO puncture. Results: All 41 questionnaires were answered. Nine physicians had attempted IO access 15 times in a total of 12 neonates. Among them were eight term neonates, three preterm neonates, and one former extreme preterm neonate at a post-menstrual age of 42 weeks (m:f = 6:6). The overall success rate was 75%. IO access was attempted primarily during post-natal resuscitation (11/12 neonates, 91.7%) and after unsuccessful peripheral venous puncture (8/12 neonates, 66.7%). It was used to administer adrenaline, fluid and/or blood, and emergency sedation after intubation. Minor short-term complications were reported in three of nine successful IO punctures (33.3%). Discussion: Over the study period of 61 months, IO access was rarely attempted during neonatal resuscitation. Our success rate was lower than reported elsewhere, suggesting that IO puncture may be more challenging in neonates than in older infants and children. No severe short-term complications occurred.

Ventriculosternal Shunting for the Management of Hydrocephalus: Case Report of A Novel Technique

BACKGROUND

Conventional cerebrospinal fluid diversion such as ventriculoperitoneal or ventriculoatrial shunting for the management of hydrocephalus is one of the commonest neurosurgical procedures. However, in selected patients, surgical options are limited when relative contraindications for these operations exist. A patient who underwent ventriculosternal shunting, a novel procedure, is presented with durable and successful outcomes.

OBJECTIVE

To demonstrate the feasibility, durability, and safety of ventriculosternal shunting for the management of hydrocephalus.

METHODS

A patient with end-stage renal failure and heart failure with recurrent pleural effusion suffered from post-subarachnoid hemorrhage communicating hydrocephalus. Because of the need for continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and the risk of introducing excessive cardiac preloading, conventional shunting was relatively contraindicated. Ventriculosternal shunting was performed by adopting the cancellous matrix of the sternum as the anatomic receptacle for intraosseous cerebrospinal fluid absorption. After placement of the ventricular catheter in the usual manner, the distal end was inserted into the sternum.

RESULTS

There was demonstrable clinical and radiological improvement in hydrocephalus by ventriculosternal shunting. Cerebrospinal fluid intraosseous absorption by this novel procedure translated into both physical and cognitive recovery. The procedure was tolerable, effective, and durable, with the patient suffering no complications 3 years after the procedure.

CONCLUSION

Ventriculosternal shunting for the management of hydrocephalus is a feasible, safe, and durable surgical treatment option for selected patients when conventional procedures are contraindicated.

The versatility of intraosseous vascular access in perioperative medicine: a case series

Intraosseous vascular access is a time-tested procedure that is reemerging in popularity. This is primarily a result of the emphasis on intraosseous access in the American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Advanced Cardiac Life Support. Modern intraosseous insertion devices are easy to learn and use, suggesting the possibility of use beyond the resuscitation setting. We present a case series of recent intraosseous insertions for a variety of indications by anesthesiologists at our institution to demonstrate the potential utility of this alternative access technique.

Saving the critically injured trauma patient: a retrospective analysis of 1000 uses of intraosseous access

OBJECTIVE

Intraosseous access (IO) is becoming increasingly accepted in adult populations as an alternative to peripheral vascular access; however, there is still insufficient evidence in large patient groups supporting its use.

METHODS

Retrospective review. This paper reports on the use of IO devices over a 7-year period from August 2006 to August 2013 during combat operations in Afghanistan. A database search of the Joint Theatre Trauma Registry (JTTR) was carried out looking for all the incidences of IO access use during this time. Excel (Microsoft) was used to manage the dataset and perform descriptive statistics on the patient demographics, injuries, treatments and complications that were retrieved.

RESULTS

1014 IO devices were used in 830 adult patients with no major complications. The rate of minor complications, the majority of which were device failure, was 1.38%. 5124 separate infusions of blood products or fluids occurred via IO access, with 36% being of packed red cells. On average, each casualty received 6.95 different infusions of blood products and fluids, and 3.28 separate infusions of drugs through IO access. 32 different drugs were infused to 367 patients via IO, the most frequent being anaesthetic agents. IO access was used in the prehospital environment, during tactical helicopter evacuation and within hospitals.

CONCLUSIONS

IO access can be used to administer a wide variety of life-saving medications quickly, easily and with low-complication rates. This highlights its valuable role as an alternative method of obtaining vascular access, vital when resuscitating the critically injured trauma patient.

Vascular Access in Resuscitation

Intraosseous vascular access is a time-tested procedure which has been incorporated into the 2010 American Heart Association Guidelines for Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. Intravenous access is often difficult to achieve in shock patients, and central line placement can be time consuming. Intraosseous vascular access, however, can be achieved quickly with minimal disruption of chest compressions. Newer insertion devices are easy to use, making the intraosseous route an attractive alternative for venous access during a resuscitation event. It is critical that anesthesiologists, who are often at the forefront of patient resuscitation, understand how to properly use this potentially life-saving procedure.

Intraosseous vascular access for in-hospital emergency use: a systematic clinical review of the literature and analysis

Intraosseous (IO) vascular access is a viable primary alternative in patients requiring emergent vascular access in the hospital emergency department (ED) (eg, resuscitation, shock/septic shock) but is underutilized.

OBJECTIVES

This review has 3 objectives: (1) review the evidence supporting the use of IO access; (2) determine the utilization of IO access as described in the literature; and (3) assess the level of specialty society support.

METHODS

Electronic and hand searches were undertaken to identify relevant articles. English-language-only articles were identified. The Cochrane Review methodology along with data forms were used to collect and review data. The evidence evaluation process of the international consensus on emergency cardiovascular care was used to assess the evidence. Studies were combined where meta-analyses could be performed.

RESULTS

In levels 2 to 5 studies, IO access performed better versus alternative access methods on the end points of time to access and successful access. Complications appeared to be comparable to other venous access methods. Randomized controlled trials are lacking. Newer IO access technologies appear to do a better job of gaining successful access more quickly. Intraosseous access is underutilized in the ED because of lack of awareness, lack of guidelines/indications, proper training, and a lack of proper equipment.

CONCLUSIONS

Recommendations/guidelines from physician specialty societies involved in the ED setting are also lacking. Underutilization exists despite recommendations for IO access use from a number of important medical associations peripherally involved in the ED such as the American Academy of Pediatrics. To encourage the IO approach, IO product champions (as both supporter and user) in the ED are needed for prioritizing and assigning IO access use when warranted. In addition, specialty societies directly involved in emergent hospital care should develop clinical guidelines for IO use.

Intraosseous vascular access: A review

Intraosseous cannulation is an increasingly common means of achieving vascular access for the administration of fluids and medications during the emergent resuscitation of both paediatric and adult patients. Improved tools and techniques for intraosseous vascular access have recently been developed, enabling the healthcare provider to choose from a wide range of devices and insertion sites. Despite its increasing popularity within the adult population, and decades of use in the paediatric population, questions remain regarding the safety and efficacy of intraosseous infusion. Although various potential complications of intraosseous cannulation have been theorized, few serious complications have been reported. This article aims to provide a review of the current literature on intraosseous vascular access, including discussion on the various intraosseous devices currently available in the market, the advantages and disadvantages of intraosseous access compared to conventional vascular access methods, complications of intraosseous cannulation and current recommendations on the use of this approach.

Part 10: Pediatric basic and advanced life support: 2010 International Consensus on Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation and Emergency Cardiovascular Care Science With Treatment Recommendations

Note From the Writing Group: Throughout this article, the reader will notice combinations of superscripted letters and numbers (eg, “Family Presence During ResuscitationPeds-003”). These callouts are hyperlinked to evidence-based worksheets, which were used in the development of this article. An appendix of worksheets, applicable to this article, is located at the end of the text. The worksheets are available in PDF format and are open access.

Intraosseous access

BACKGROUND

Vascular access is of paramount importance in the care of the critically ill patient. When central or peripheral intravenous access cannot be accomplished in a timely manner, intraosseous access and infusion is a rapid and safe alternative for the delivery of fluids, medications, and blood products. The resurgence of the use of intraosseous access in the 1980s led to the development of new methods and devices that facilitate insertion.

OBJECTIVES

This article discusses general indications, contraindications, and complications of intraosseous access and infusion, focusing on new devices and their insertion.

DISCUSSION

Current research is focused on product innovation and improving drug delivery using intraosseous autoinjectors, finding new anatomic sites for placement, and expanding the use of different intraosseous devices to the adult population.

CONCLUSIONS/SUMMARY

New, improved intraosseous systems provide health care providers with choices beyond traditional manual intraosseous access for administering fluids.

Intraosseous drug administration in children and adults during cardiopulmonary resuscitation

OBJECTIVE

To review and assess the available literature on the use of intraosseous (IO) drug administration during cardiopulmonary resuscitation, addressing the benefits and risks of using this method of drug delivery in children and adults.

DATA SOURCES

The MEDLINE (1950-July 2007) database was searched for pertinent abstracts, using the key term intraosseous infusions. Additional references were obtained from the bibliographies of the articles reviewed. Manufacturer Web sites were used to obtain information about IO insertion devices.

STUDY SELECTION AND DATA EXTRACTION

All available English-language clinical trials, retrospective studies, and review articles describing IO drug administration were reviewed. Studies conducted in animal models to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of IO drug administration were also included.

DATA SYNTHESIS

IO access uses the highly vascularized bone marrow to deliver fluids and medications during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. This route, developed in the 1940s, has been revived in the past decade as a means of achieving rapid vascular access when intravenous access cannot be obtained. The primary advantage of IO access is the high success rate (approximately 80%). Most trained providers can place an IO line within 1-2 minutes. A number of small-scale studies and retrospective reviews have established the usefulness of this route for the delivery of many commonly used resuscitation drugs. In addition, animal models have demonstrated rapid drug delivery to the systemic circulation. While all resuscitation drugs can be given by the IO route, administration of ceftriaxone, chloramphenicol, phenytoin, tobramycin, and vancomycin may result in lower peak serum concentrations. The most common adverse effect seen with IO use, extravasation, has been reported in 12% of patients. Compartment syndrome, osteomyelitis, and tibial fracture are rare, but have also been reported.

CONCLUSIONS

IO administration is a safe and effective method for delivering drugs during cardiopulmonary resuscitation. It should be considered whenever intravenous access cannot be rapidly obtained.

Intraosseous access for administration of medications in neonates

Intraosseous administration of resuscitation medications and fluids in preterm and term neonates is an alternative when intravascular access is not possible with intravenous catheters or needles. Intraosseous access is rarely needed in neonates because of the availability of clinicians with expert technical skills for placement of intravenous catheters in neonatal ICUs, the presence of the umbilical vein during the first days after birth when most resuscitations occur, and the predominance of resuscitations being responsive to positive-pressure ventilation alone. Intraosseous access is most likely to be needed in out-of-hospital settings and in hospitalized infants without intravenous access who have vascular collapse secondary to shock or when clinicians responsible for vascular access during resuscitations are more skilled in intraosseous access than intravenous access.