Central Venous Access via the Distal Femoral Vein Using Ultrasound Guidance

Evidence from 2 clinical studies showed that there was no difference in the rates of infection and complications between peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) insertion at the bedside and insertion in Interventional Radiology (IR) suites. However, each of these studies focused on small subgroups of the larger pediatric population and had other methodological limitations. Evidence from 1 clinical study in a single quaternary, non-cardiac, pediatric intensive care unit suggested that the median time from PICC line order to successful insertion was longer for lines placed in the IR compared to at the bedside. Two guidelines were identified that recommend ultrasound guidance for insertion of central venous access devices (CVAD), including PICCs: 1 was aimed at all pediatric patients and 1 was aimed at onco-hematological pediatric patients who had numerous quality limitations.

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A retrospective analysis of the clinical effectiveness of subcutaneously tunneled femoral vein cannulations at the bedside: A low risk central venous access approach in the neonatal intensive care unit

The Journal of Vascular Access ◽

10.1177/1129729820969291 ◽

2020 ◽

pp. 112972982096929

Author(s):

Matthew Ostroff ◽

Adel Zauk ◽

Sara Chowdhury ◽

Nancy Moureau ◽

Carly Mobley

Keyword(s):

Intensive Care Unit ◽

Intensive Care ◽

Neonatal Intensive Care Unit ◽

Retrospective Analysis ◽

Neonatal Intensive Care ◽

Femoral Vein ◽

Central Venous Access ◽

Venous Access ◽

Right Atrial ◽

Central Venous

Objective: The purpose of this retrospective analysis was to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of ultrasound (US)-guided, subcutaneously tunneled, femoral inserted central catheters (ST-FICCs) in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Methods: Following clinical success with ST-FICCs in adults, we expanded this practice to the neonatal population. In an 18-month retrospective cohort analysis (2018–2020) of 82 neonates, we evaluated the clinical outcome for procedural success, completion of therapy, and incidence of early and late complications for insertion of US-guided ST-FICCs in the NICU. Results: Placement of ST-FICCs were successful in 100% of neonates ( n = 82/82) with 94% to the right ( n = 77/82) and 6% to the left common femoral veins ( n = 5/82). Gestational age ranged 23-39 weeks with median age of 29 weeks. Birthweight ranged from 450 g to >2000 g. Weight at insertion ranged 570 to 3345 g and day of life 1 to 137, with median at day 5. Ultrasound guided femoral vein puncture was recorded on 74 patients, first attempt 63/74 (85%), second attempt 8/74 (11%) and third attempt 3/74 (4%). Catheter french used: 1.9Fr ( n = 80/82), 2.6Fr ( n = 1/82), and 3-Fr ( n = 1/82). Catheter lengths were 8 to 20 cm, average 12cm. Catheter termination confirmed with posterior/anterior and lateral abdominal radiographs with inferior vena cava (IVC) ( n = 33/82), IVC/right atrial junction ( n = 31/82), or right atrium ( n = 18/82). Atrial placements were retracted; no cases of malposition to the lumbar/renal/hepatic veins ( n = 0/82). 1528 catheter days ranging 5 to 72 days (average 18). No insertion-related or post-insertion complications. All patients completed prescribed therapy with one catheter. Conclusion: Bedside placement of an ST-FICC is a safe route for central venous access in the NICU, preserving upper extremity vasculature, eliminates risks associated with sedation, fluoroscopy, tunneled and non-tunneled supra-diaphragmatic central venous insertion.

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