Difficulty in removing a percutaneous central venous catheter inserted from a peripheral vein

The stuck central venous catheter: a word of caution

The placement of central venous catheter (CVC) through internal jugular vein is not free from potential hazards. We report two cases of triple lumen central venous catheter, placed into right internal jugular vein, which got entrapped in patients who had undergone mitral valve replacement. The entrapment of catheter went unnoticed until the time of removal. Subsequent investigations, mechanism of entrapment, prevention, and removal is described. To conclude, we encountered an unusual cause of stuck central venous catheter, in the left atrial suture line. Removal of central venous catheter requires utmost care, and should never be done by forceful traction in the postoperative cardiac surgical patients, as it may lead to disruption of suture lines or rupture of vessels.

Elective removal of cuffed central venous catheters in children

BACKGROUND

Subcutaneously tunneled, cuffed central venous catheters (CVCs) are commonly used in children undergoing cytotoxic chemotherapy or hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation. When their use is no longer indicated or precluded by mechanical or infectious complications, CVCs have to be removed. General instructions on how cuffed CVC should be removed are available in the medical texts but none is adapted for use in children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A literature search from the MEDLINE and EMBASE to identify articles describing the procedure of removing CVC or complications arising from the procedure was carried out.

RESULTS

Specific guidance on the removal of CVC in children was not found. Venous air embolism appeared to be the most common complication associated with catheter removal but none involved pediatric patients. On the other hand, three out of the five incidents of catheter fracture with or without embolization happened in children.

CONCLUSION

Further studies are needed to define the optimal management of CVC removal in pediatric patients. A sequence of positioning the child, use of sedation, dissecting out the cuff, pulling off the catheter, closing the exit wound, and handling of the removed catheter is suggested.

Peripherally inserted central catheters: a randomized, controlled, prospective trial in pediatric surgical patients

Peripherally-inserted central catheters (PICCs) are long-term IV catheters used for drug and fluid administration, blood sampling, or hyperalimentation. The short-term use of PICCs in postoperative patients has not been studied. In this randomized, controlled trial, patients received either a PICC or peripheral IV catheter (PIV). Our outcome measures were patient and parent satisfaction with care, complications of the venous access devices, number of postoperative venipunctures, and cost-effectiveness of use. Satisfaction was significantly more frequent in the PICC group (P < 0.05), and there were significantly fewer postoperative needle punctures in the PICC group compared with the PIV group (P < 0.05). Minor complications were common in the PIV group; major complications were uncommon in both groups. PICCs are more expensive, but better satisfaction can make them a cost-effective option. Additionally, insertion during surgical preparation time in the operating room (OR) means that cost is not increased by adding anesthesiologist and OR time. Anesthesiologists should consider placing PICCs in patients requiring more than 4 days of in-hospital postoperative care, especially if frequent blood sampling or IV access is required.

The peripherally inserted central venous catheter; friend or foe?

The use of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is now commonplace in clinical practice both for monitoring and intravenous administration of drugs or fluids. The authors describe the case of a complication not previously reported following placement of a PICC prior to a head and neck procedure. The literature on complications following PICC use is reviewed.