Intracardiac (superior vena cava/right atrial) ECGs using saline solution as the conductive medium for the proper positioning of the Shiley hemodialysis catheter: is it not time to forego [correction of forgo] the postinsertion chest radiograph?

Focus on peripherally inserted central catheters in critically ill patients

Venous access devices are of pivotal importance for an increasing number of critically ill patients in a variety of disease states and in a variety of clinical settings (emergency, intensive care, surgery) and for different purposes (fluids or drugs infusions, parenteral nutrition, antibiotic therapy, hemodynamic monitoring, procedures of dialysis/apheresis). However, healthcare professionals are commonly worried about the possible consequences that may result using a central venous access device (CVAD) (mainly, bloodstream infections and thrombosis), both peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) and centrally inserted central catheters (CICCs). This review aims to discuss indications, insertion techniques, and care of PICCs in critically ill patients. PICCs have many advantages over standard CICCs. First of all, their insertion is easy and safe -due to their placement into peripheral veins of the arm- and the advantage of a central location of catheter tip suitable for all osmolarity and pH solutions. Using the ultrasound-guidance for the PICC insertion, the risk of hemothorax and pneumothorax can be avoided, as well as the possibility of primary malposition is very low. PICC placement is also appropriate to avoid post-procedural hemorrhage in patients with an abnormal coagulative state who need a CVAD. Some limits previously ascribed to PICCs (i.e., low flow rates, difficult central venous pressure monitoring, lack of safety for radio-diagnostic procedures, single-lumen) have delayed their start up in the intensive care units as common practice. Though, the recent development of power-injectable PICCs overcomes these technical limitations and PICCs have started to spread in critical care settings. Two important take-home messages may be drawn from this review. First, the incidence of complications varies depending on venous accesses and healthcare professionals should be aware of the different clinical performance as well as of the different risks associated with each type of CVAD (CICCs or PICCs). Second, an inappropriate CVAD choice and, particularly, an inadequate insertion technique are relevant-and often not recognized-potential risk factors for complications in critically ill patients. We strongly believe that all healthcare professionals involved in the choice, insertion or management of CVADs in critically ill patients should know all potential risk factors of complications. This knowledge may minimize complications and guarantee longevity to the CVAD optimizing the risk/benefit ratio of CVAD insertion and use. Proper management of CVADs in critical care saves lines and lives. Much evidence from the medical literature and from the clinical practice supports our belief that, compared to CICCs, the so-called power-injectable peripherally inserted central catheters are a good alternative choice in critical care.

Central vascular catheters versus peripherally inserted central catheters in nurse anesthesia. A perspective within the Greek health system

PURPOSE

We present a study comparing the insertion of central vascular catheter (CVC) and peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) by an anesthesia nurse at 2 Greek University Hospitals.

METHODS

Eighty patients, aged 20-80 years, were enrolled in the study. Patients were divided into 2 groups. In group A (41 patients), a CVC was inserted in the internal jugular vein. In group B (39 patients), a pressure-injectable PICC was inserted in the basilica vein.

RESULTS

Correlations between the methods applied, the patients' characteristics, the procedures' characteristics and the overall satisfaction scores for each procedure were examined. The final results show that the patients of group B (PICC method) were more satisfied with the procedure than the patients of group A (CVC method), at the statistical significance level of a=0.01. Also, according to the results of the analysis, the PICC method offers significantly more comfort and relative satisfaction than the CVC method, at the statistical significance level of a=0.01. The satisfaction scores of "physicians" were statistically more significant, at a=0.01, for the patients of group A (classic CVCs) mainly because of the insufficient flow rate of the PICCs when compared with the CVCs and especially if one considers the fact that the physicians did not have any experience with the PICC method at all.

CONCLUSIONS

PICCs under ultrasound guidance constitute the solution of choice for patients and they definitely surpass the CVCs focusing mainly on the improvement of the quality of life and the satisfaction of patients.

The electrocardiographic method for positioning the tip of central venous catheters

Tip position of a central venous access is of paramount importance and should be verified before starting infusion. Intra-procedural methods for verifying the location of the tip are to be preferred, since they avoid the risks, delays and costs of repositioning the tip. Among the intra-procedural methods, the electrocardiography (EKG) method has many advantages since it is as accurate as fluoroscopy, but simpler, more readily available, less expensive, safer and more cost-effective. The only contraindication to utilizing the EKG method is the difficulty in identifying the standard P-wave on a surface EKG (this happens - usually because of severe arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation - in only approximately 7% of cases: although such patients are easily identified before the procedure, and are referred to other methods for tip positioning). When dealing with the insertion of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC), the EKG method (using the column of saline technique) virtually has no risk of false positives. The EKG method removes the need for the post-procedural chest x-ray, as long as there is no expected risk of pleuropulmonary damage to be ruled out (example: ultrasound guided central venipuncture for central venous catheter insertion or any kind of PICC insertion). In conclusion, evidence is mounting that the EKG method may be a valid and cost-effective alternative to the standard radiological control of the location of the tip of any central venous access device (VAD), and that will rapidly become the preferential method for confirming the tip position during PICC insertion.

Electrocardiogram (EKG) Guided Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Placement and Tip Position: Results of a Trial to Replace Radiological Confirmation

Background: The current standard of care for Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs) is radiological confirmation of terminal tip location. Tip location practices in Europe have used electrocardiographic (EKG) guided positioning for central venous catheters for more than twenty years with tip positioning safely confirmed over thousands of insertions (Madias, 2003). The goal of this group was to confirm the findings of a study performed by Pittiruti and his team; and to establish safe function in the use of EKG guidance for verification of terminal tip position with PICCs placed at McKenzie Willamette Medical Center.

Methods: In 2008/2009 McKenzie Willamette Medical Center conducted a study to determine whether or not EKG guidance can be used as a reliable means to accurately place and confirm terminal tip location of PICCs. A group of trained nurses performed PICC placement using EKG guidance followed by radiological confirmation of SVC position. All PICCs placed from October 2008 to December 2009 were included in the study. Tip location was confirmed using either radiological confirmation alone, EKG plus radiological confirmation, or EKG alone.

Results: A total of 417 PICCs were placed during the study period. EKG guidance alone was used in the placement and confirmation of 168 PICCs. Both EKG and chest x-ray confirmation were used in the placement of 82 of the PICCs; 240 of the PICCs were placed with the use of EKG and then position correlated using the traditional chest x-ray procedure.

Discussion: EKG guided PICC placement proved accurate in consistently guiding the terminal tip to the superior vena cava (SVC). The procedure was easily taught and duplicated by members of the PICC team. The study demonstrated a definite correlation between the height (size) of the P-wave and the location of the terminal tip within the SVC. With knowledge of this correlation, transition from placing PICCs using EKG guidance with chest x-ray confirmation to confirmation of tip placement using just EKG guidance without chest x-ray confirmation was attained. Application of EKG placement/confirmation performed during insertion saves time previously spent waiting for x-ray confirmation readings, saves cost of chest x-ray, prevents patient exposure to radiation and saves time required for tip repositioning of malpositioned tips found after the end of the procedure.

Access technique and its problems in parenteral nutrition - Guidelines on Parenteral Nutrition, Chapter 9

Catheter type, access technique, and the catheter position should be selected considering to the anticipated duration of PN aiming at the lowest complication risks (infectious and non-infectious). Long-term (>7-10 days) parenteral nutrition (PN) requires central venous access whereas for PN <3 weeks percutaneously inserted catheters and for PN >3 weeks subcutaneous tunnelled catheters or port systems are appropriate. CVC (central venous catheter) should be flushed with isotonic NaCl solution before and after PN application and during CVC occlusions. Strict indications are required for central venous access placement and the catheter should be removed as soon as possible if not required any more. Blood samples should not to be taken from the CVC. If catheter infection is suspected, peripheral blood-culture samples and culture samples from each catheter lumen should be taken simultaneously. Removal of the CVC should be carried out immediately if there are pronounced signs of local infection at the insertion site and/or clinical suspicion of catheter-induced sepsis. In case PN is indicated for a short period (max. 7-10 days), a peripheral venous access can be used if no hyperosmolar solutions (>800 mosm/L) or solutions with a high titration acidity or alkalinity are used. A peripheral venous catheter (PVC) can remain in situ for as long as it is clinically required unless there are signs of inflammation at the insertion site.

The EKG Method for Positioning the Tips of PICCs: Results from Two Preliminary Studies

Two preliminary studies were conducted to determine feasibility of using the electrocardiography (EKG) method to determine terminal tip location when inserting a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). This method uses the guidewire inside the catheter (or a column of saline contained in the catheter) as an intracavitary electrode. The EKG monitor is then connected to the intracavitary electrode. The reading on the EKG monitor reflects the closeness of the intracavitary electrode (the catheter tip) to the superior vena cava (SVC). The studies revealed that the EKG method was extremely precise; all tips placed using the EKG method and confirmed using x-ray were located in the superior vena cava. In conclusion, the EKG method has clear advantages in terms of accuracy, cost-effectiveness, and feasibility in conditions where x-ray control may be difficult or expensive to obtain. The method is quite simple, easy to learn and to teach, non-invasive, easy to reproduce, safe, and apt to minimize malpositions due to failure of entering the SVC.

Correct depth of insertion of right internal jugular central venous catheters based on external landmarks: avoiding the right atrium

OBJECTIVE

Radiographically, a central venous catheter (CVC) tip should lie at the level of the right tracheobronchial angle. Precalculation of length of CVC insertion may avoid unnecessary catheter malposition. The purpose of this study was to assess the accuracy of a method of CVC positioning, based on external topographic landmarks.

DESIGN

A prospective, randomized study.

SETTING

University-affiliated hospital, single institution.

PARTICIPANTS

Patients scheduled for surgery.

INTERVENTIONS

Patients were allocated for insertion of the catheter through the right internal jugular vein to either a fixed, predetermined, 15-cm length (n = 50) or to a depth calculated topographically (n = 50) by drawing a line from the level of the thyroid notch to the sternal manubrium. The catheter was repositioned if its tip was situated >5 cm above the carina or >1 cm below it. The distance from the catheter tip to the carina was measured. The main study endpoint was the need for catheter repositioning.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

Two percent of patients required repositioning in the topographic group compared with 78% in the 15-cm length group (p < 0.001). No patient in the topographic group and 10 patients (20%) in the 15-cm group had the catheter placed in the right atrium (p < 0.05). The mean distance from the CVC tip to the carina was 2.9 +/- 1.4 cm above the carina in the topographic group and 1.9 +/- 1.1 cm below the carina in the 15-cm length group (p < 0.001). No patient had a too proximally placed catheter. Insertion lengths in the topographic group ranged between 9 and 12.5 cm.

CONCLUSIONS

It is recommended to use the topographic approach in deciding CVC depth with right internal jugular CVC placement.

Umbilical vein catheterization under electrocardiogram guidance

BACKGROUND

In the neonate, umbilical venous catheters (UVC) are inserted and advanced blindly to a predetermined length from the umbilicus. The reported rates for UVC misplacement into the liver (and occasionally the spleen) range from 20 to 37%. Radiographs are routinely used to confirm the positioning of UVCs. This involves movement of often critically ill infants, as well as radiation exposure. This pilot study examines the potential value of confirming UVC placement in neonates using ECG.

METHODS

In critically ill neonates, a conductive Johans ECG adapter was connected to a UVC. A satisfactory tracing (lead II) was obtained (right arm lead connected to the adapter) when the UVC was filled with saline solution allowing the catheter tip to become a unipolar ECG electrode. The UVC was then advanced from the umbilicus until the tip reached the inferior vena cava (IVC) within the thoracic region, as demonstrated by appearance of normal sized QRS complexes with small P-waves. A small QRS indicated the catheter was below the diaphragm. The appearance of a tall positive P-wave indicated the tip was at the right atrium level. The UVC was then withdrawn until the P-wave size returned to normal. The final UVC position was later confirmed by X-ray.

RESULTS

Eight neonates were studied. The figure shows typical ECG tracings when the UVC was placed in the liver, IVC, and right atrium, respectively. Three malpositioned catheters were detected (2 into liver and 1 into spleen).

CONCLUSIONS

Based on these cases, the insertion of UVCs in neonates can be guided with ECG by observing sequential and characteristic alterations in P-waves and QRS complexes, thereby reducing the use of X-rays. In addition, this technique could prove to be beneficial in remote healthcare facilities where X-ray machines may not be readily available and quick intravenous access is required to transport sick neonates to major centers.

The 13th multiuse ECG lead: Shouldn’t we use it more often, and on the same hard copy or computer screen, as the other 12 leads?

Although the ECG diagnosis of cardiac pathology is well served by the employment of the standard 12 ECG leads, an occasional need arises that additional leads might provide a diagnostic advantage. To this effect it is proposed that a space is provided in the standard 12-lead ECG printed report for a "13th multiuse ECG lead"; such a lead, which will be referenced to the "central Wilson's terminal," would provide additional information from various chest wall locations (V3R-V6R, posterior [left parascapular]) or other regions. Also such a lead could provide intracardiac electrograms via intracardiac recording wires or metallic or normal saline-filled catheters.

Comparison of P waves recorded on the standard electrocardiogram, the "Lewis lead," and "saline-filled central venous catheter"-based intracardiac electrocardiogram

The feasibility of recording the intracardiac electrocardiogram (IC-ECG) through a saline-filled central venous catheter has been demonstrated. The importance of identifying P waves for the accurate characterization of arrhythmias has long been emphasized. The "Lewis lead" has been occasionally employed when the standard electrocardiogram (SECG) fails to detect P waves. The objectives of this study were to compare the amplitude of P waves recorded by intracardiac and standard ECGs and the Lewis lead and to explore whether the latter has any advantages over either type of electrocardiography. The amplitudes of P wave (in millimeters) measured on SECG, the Lewis lead, and IC-ECG obtained through a saline-filled central venous catheter were compared; recordings were obtained through the intracardiac electrocardiographic distal, medial, and proximal ports of the central venous catheter in 28 patients who underwent 62 measurements. P waves were larger on the distal port of the IC-ECG than on the medial and proximal ports, on lead V(1), the lead with the tallest P wave on SECG, and the Lewis lead (all p = 0.0005). P waves were also larger on the medial port than on the proximal port of the IC-ECG (p = 0.0005). P waves were larger on the proximal port of the IC-ECG than on lead V(1), the lead with the tallest P wave on SECG, and the Lewis lead (p = 0.0005 for the 2 leads), and P waves were larger with the Lewis lead than on lead V(1) (p = 0.0005) but did not differ from the lead with the tallest P wave on a SECG (p = 0.124). Augmented P waves can be secured by employment of an intracardiac electrocardiographic lead; the Lewis lead has no advantages over the SECG for detecting P waves. These data are useful when the amplitude of P waves is an issue of concern in clinical practice and research.

Intracardiac electrocardiography via a “saline-filled central venous catheter electrocardiographic lead”: a historical perspective

The author describes his experience with a "saline-filled central venous catheter electrocardiographic lead" for the recording of intracardiac electrocardiograms provides a brief description of the methodology, refers to this modality's clinical usefulness, furnishes 2 examples illustrating the contribution of the method to clinical diagnosis, and outlines his literature search to find the discoverer/originator of the employment of a saline-filled intracardiac catheter as an electrocardiogram recording lead.