Efficacy of antiseptic-impregnated central venous catheters in preventing catheter-related bloodstream infection. A Meta-analysis

• We prospectively studied the results of 714 attempts at central venous catheterization during an eight-month period in our intensive care department. We compared the rates of failure of catheterization and early complications among three percutaneous approaches: subclavian, anterior jugular, and posterior jugular veins. The procedures were performed by experienced staff or resident physicians and inexperienced interns and residents under teaching supervision. Overall rates of failure and complication were similar for each percutaneous approach within each group of physicians. Overall failure rate was 10.1% for the experienced group and 19.4% for the inexperienced. The complication was 5.4% for experienced and 11% for inexperienced. Among inexperienced physicians, the success rate was 86.7% and the complication rate 7.6% in unconscious patients, whereas in conscious patients these rates were 70.5% and 13.8%, respectively. The inexperienced physicians caused fewer complications in mechanically ventilated than in spontaneously breathing patients. We suggest that inexperienced physicians should first attempt central vein catheterizations in unconscious and mechanically ventilated patients. (Arch Intern Med1986;146:259-261)

Central Vein Catheterization. Failure and Complication Rates by Three Percutaneous Approaches

Objective:Totally implantable venous access devices (portacaths, or “ports”), are widely used for intermittent central venous access especially for cancer patients. Although ports have a superior safety margin compared with other long-term venous access devices, there are a number of complications a

Totally Implantable Venous Access Devices: A Review of Complications and Management Strategies.

Training Surgical Residents With a Haptic Robotic Central Venous Catheterization Simulator.

Absence of lung sliding is not a reliable sign of pneumothorax in patients with high positive end-expiratory pressure

The central venous catheter (CVC) is a catheter placed into a large vein in the neck [internal jugular vein (IJV)], chest (subclavian vein or axillary vein) or groin (femoral vein). There are several situations that require the insertion of a CVC mainly to administer medications or fluids, obtain blood tests (specifically the “central venous oxygen saturation”), and measure central venous pressure. CVC usually remain in place for a longer period of time than other venous access devices. There are situations according to the drug administration or length of stay of the catheter that specific systems are indicated such as; a Hickman line, a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) line or a Port-a-Cath may be considered because of their smaller infection risk. Sterile technique is highly important here, as a line may serve as a port of entry for pathogenic organisms, and the line itself may become infected with organisms such as Staphylococcus aureus and coagulase-negative Staphylococci. In the current review we will present the complication of pneumothorax after CVC insertion.

Dejan Andjelkovic

Papers

Pneumothorax as a complication of central venous catheter insertion.