Stuck fragment of totally implantable central venous access ports during removal: risk factor analysis in children

Background Totally implantable central venous access ports (TICVAPs) have increasingly been used in pediatric patients because they provide reliable venous access. However, many complications associated with TICVAPs have been reported. Here, we aimed to analyze the risk factors of stuck fragment of TICVAPs during removal in children and recommend the appropriate periods of use or exchange. Methods We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of 121 patients, including 147 cases of TICVAP insertion, between January 2010 and July 2020. Results Among these, 98 cases in 72 patients involved of TICVAP removal, with 8 patients having had incomplete TICVAP removal resulting in a stuck fragment of the catheter in the central venous system (Group S). All Group S patients were male and had acute leukemia, and their TICVAPs were used for chemotherapy. Compared with the complete removal group (Group N), stuck fragment in Group S were significantly found in patients diagnosed with acute leukemia than those with other diagnoses (p < 0.001). Indwelling duration and body weight change during TICVAP indwelling were significantly longer and larger in Group S, respectively (p < 0.001). In multivariate logistic regression analysis, indwell duration (odds ratio [OR], 1.13; 95% confidence interval [Cl] 1.02–1.37, p = 0.10), body weight change during indwell (OR, 1.00; 95% Cl 0.83–1.18, p = 0.97), and platelet count at TICVAP insertion (OR, 0.98; 95% Cl 0.95–0.99; p = 0.48) showed an increased trend of risk for a stuck catheter. Conclusions We suggest prophylactic catheter exchange before indwell duration of 46 months (area under the curve [AUC], 0.949; 95% Cl 0.905–0.993) and body weight change up to 9.9 kg (AUC, 0.903; 95% Cl 0.840–0.966) to prevent a catheter from becoming stuck, especially in children with rapidly growing acute leukemia. Management of a stuck fragment remains controversial in asymptomatic patients, and we suggest careful, close observation rather than aggressive and invasive treatment.

Fibrin sheath disruption during guidewire exchange for bacteremia: Low recurrence of infection and preservation of vascular access sites

Background: Catheter-associated bacteremia (CAB) often leads to removal of tunneled dialysis catheters with delayed insertion (RDI). Exchange over a guidewire (ExW) can be considered for access site preservation. Fibrin sheath disruption (FSD) during exchange is not standard practice for infected catheters. Here we present the first analysis of outcomes after such exchanges (ExW-FSD). Methods: Retrospective analysis of catheter exchanges and removals performed by interventional nephrology for bacteremia in 2008–2011 observed for 20.5 months. Charts were reviewed for recurrent or new bacteremia and death at 3 months, and for occurrence of thrombosis or stenosis along the catheter site. Catheter exchange with central venogram and fibrin sheath disruption was our standard of care in all patients presenting for CAB. RDI was performed either for tunnel infection, non-clearing of infection or at the request of referring physicians. Results: Over 4 years, 66 patients were treated for CAB. Forty-two patients underwent ExW-FSD, which was performed even for Staph. aureus, gram negative bacteremia or candidemia. RDI was performed in 24 cases. Bacteremia recurred in 3 (7%) patients after ExW-FSD, and in 7 (30%) cases after RDI ( p = 0.02). There was no significant difference in new infections: 5 (12%) after ExW-FSD and 2 (8%) after RDI. There was no death within 3 months after ExW-FSD and 4 (27%) ( p = 0.005) deaths in the RDI group. There was one new central venous stenosis in the ExW-FSD group (2%) with no loss of access site, and 8 (33%) patients developed thrombosis/stenosis along the prior catheter track after RDI (33%) ( p = 0.006) with loss of access site in (21%). Conclusions: In this retrospective analysis of treatment of CAB, ExW-FSD was associated with lower recurrence of bacteremia, lower death rate and a lower incidence of access site loss compared to RDI. These data support ExW-FSD use in patients with CAB.

Efficacy of Antimicrobial Lock Solutionsagainst Catheter-Related Infections in Hemodialysis Patients

INTRODUCTION: Hemodialysis patientsare at increased risk of catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBSI) and catheter thrombosis asdialysis requires regular access to blood circulation through catheters. Antimicrobial Locking Solutions (ALS) containing anticoagulants and antimicrobial agents (antibiotic/non-antibiotic) are used to seal catheters in order to prevent thrombosis and CRBSI. PURPOSE: The investigation of internationalclinical studies regarding the efficacy and safety of the various ALS treatments for CRBSI in hemodialysis patients (HD patients) comparing to conventional approaches such as heparin treatment or catheter removal. METHODOLOGY: The review included prospective or retrospective clinical studies, randomized clinical trials or cohort studies published since 2015. Publications were retrieved from the &ldquo;Pubmed&rdquo;, &ldquo;Google Scholar&rdquo; and &ldquo;Elsevier&rdquo; databases using &lsquo;catheter&rsquo;, &lsquo;catheter removal&rsquo;, &lsquo;hemodialysis&rsquo; &lsquo;bacteremia&rsquo;, &lsquo;antimicrobial lock therapy&rsquo;as key words. RESULTS: 17 articles were found to meet the criteria for this systematic review. These studies investigated locking solutions containing various antibiotic (Cefazolin, Gentamicin, Vancomycin, Cotrimoxazole, Daptomycin, Trimethoprim) or/and non-antibiotic agents (Citrate, taurolidine, ethanol, urokinase, Cathasept) +/- anticoagulants, single or in various combinations. The main objective of these studies was to identify the efficacy of ALS with respect to CRBSI risk rates, catheter exchange rates and related adverse effects. CONCLUSIONS: Antimicrobial Locking Therapy appears significantly beneficial forHD patients as it reduces CRBSI risk and prolongs catheter survival at considerable rates, so it should be seriously considered for systematic useagainst catheter-related infections. Further researchis required to establish safe and effective prevention and therapeutic protocols as alternatives to catheter removal practices.

CE Article: Use of an Evidence-Based Protocol for Repositioning Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs) in Children and AdultsCE

Highlights Abstract Introduction: Achieving and maintaining optimal peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) tip position can be challenging. At any time during therapies, the final catheter position can be altered due to changes in patient condition and intrathoracic pressure. Aim: To determine if the use of a standardized protocol with power flush option for repositioning the PICC tips will reduce the number of withdrawal interventions or exchange procedures. Methods: Johns Hopkins evidence-based practice (EBP) methodology was used to evaluate literature published in the past 5 years. A standardized protocol was developed and implemented in patients with malpositioned PICCs. The outcome measures were the successful repositioning of the catheter and costs for the procedure. Results: In 4 months, 43 (93%) of 46 (14 adult/32 pediatric) catheters were successfully repositioned. The withdrawal method was used to reposition 34 (73.9%). In 12 patients where a power flush was used, 9 (75%) were successfully repositioned. These changes resulted in decreased delays in treatment and financial savings of $235,210 in personnel time and supplies. Discussion: The standardized protocol provided an alternative to previous practices, extending dwell time, decreasing treatment delay, and unnecessary procedures, showing significant savings for the institution. Conclusions: The Vascular Access Team use of an evidence-based protocol was successful in reducing catheter exchange and withdrawals in malpositioned catheters among adult and pediatric populations. Relevance to Clinical Practice: The implementation of a standardized EBP to address malpositioned catheters resulted in the decreased need for catheter exchange, reduced delays in treatment, and cost savings.

Unexpected Complication of Central Venous Catheter Exchange: Catheter Fragment Migration

Tunneled central venous catheter (TCVC) placement is often an easy and uncomplicated procedure. As such, some clinicians pay little attention to the procedure, and different complications occurred. Catheter fragment loss in major vessels is a rare but serious complication of in situ catheter exchange with few reported cases in the literature. Once catheter fragments slip into a deep vein, endovascular retrieval should be attempted, due to its high success rate and minimal associated morbidity. A 37-year-old male patient underwent replacement of his temporary catheter with TCVC through a trans-right-internal-jugular-vein approach for maintenance of dialysis. As a major unintended outcome of the operation, a catheter fragment slipped into the right internal jugular vein, then migrated and lodged in the inferior vena cava. We retrieved it with a gooseneck snare without complications. We report the case hoping to emphasize on and raise awareness of the fact that catheter fragment loss is a completely evitable complication, provided the operator follows the correct safety measures and protocols. However, if catheter fragment loss occurred, the fragment should be retrieved as soon as possible. A gooseneck snare is an ideal option for retrieving catheter fragments that have migrated into deep veins.

A Case Report: An Unusual Presentation of Purple Urinary Bag Syndrome

Background: The Purple Urinary Bag Syndrome (PUBS) is an uncommon and under-reported syndrome. It results from the purple discoloration of urine by tryptophan-oxidizing bacteria in a favorable alkaline milieu and usually affects patients with indwelling catheters. Other risk factors include female gender, chronic constipation, tryptophan-rich diet, and cognitive impairment. Although asymptomatic in the majority of cases, PUBS may be the sole and earliest sign of an aggressive urinary tract infection, especially in elderly patients where the presentation may be atypical and associated with resistant organisms, such as Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Vancomycin-resistant Enterococci (VRE). Proper treatment consists of catheter replacement and antibiotic therapy, which is indicated only in the setting of symptomatic infections. Case Presentation: We report an unusual presentation of PUBS in a 79-year-old male patient with no classical risk factors. The patient had a supra-pubic catheter for urinary retention secondary to urethral strictures. Every month, by the time of catheter exchange, the patient developed an asymptomatic purple discoloration of the urinary bag, which was not investigated until he presented at our facility. Urine analysis revealed acidic urine. Appropriate antibiotic therapy was initiated after the development of urinary symptoms, and the catheter was replaced. No recurrent urine discoloration occurred. Conclusion: This case represents the rare occurrence of PUBS in the setting of a suprapubic catheter in a male patient. It also highlights that even in atypical presentations, antibiotic therapy should be tailored to the clinical status of the patient and not the mere presence of bacteriuria. Raising awareness about this “esoteric” syndrome is essential for early diagnosis and proper management.

Primary percutaneous intervention of the right coronary artery in a setting of anomalous origination of left coronary artery from the opposite sinus of Valsalva

Introduction. Coronary artery anomalies are infrequent but anticipated findings during percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI). Compared to consistent reporting in angiographic series, they seem to be underreported in interventional studies, and particularly in the setting of primary PCI, where their prompt recognition is of the utmost importance. Case report. We present a 50 years old male with inferior ST-elevation of myocardial infarction (STEMI) and right ventricular involvement with solitary ostium for all three coronary arteries in the right aortic sinus of Valsalva. The patient had an extremely rare variant of coronary artery origination belonging to the type A4b2c2 of Angelini?s classification. Correspondingly, it belongs to the left Anomalous origination of a Coronary Artery from the Opposite Sinus of Valsalva (ACAOS) class with the intraseptal course of left anterior descending artery. We managed successfully to implant a drug eluting stent in the proximal right coronary artery in a lengthy and stormy procedure, with the need for guiding catheter exchange, temporary pacing and dealing with no-reflow phenomenon. Conclusion. We summarize diagnostic hints for angiographic recognition of dominant variants of the left ACAOS and practical aspects of performing PCI in such patients. Also, we debate on the functional significance of coronary anomalies and its further implications from the prognostic and therapeutic aspects. We propose adoption of the novel classification of coronary anomalies of Angelini?s group in the routine clinical practice. Finally, we call for the inclusion of specific training in coronary artery anomalies into the interventional cardiology fellowship curriculum.

Blind exchange with mini-pinning technique for distal occlusion thrombectomy

IntroductionTechnical improvements to enhance distal occlusion thrombectomy are desirable. We describe the blind catheter exchange technique and report the pinning technique with small devices (‘mini-pinning’) for distal occlusions.MethodsA retrospective review of a prospective database from January 2015 to August 2018 was performed for cases of distal occlusion in which the ‘blind exchange/mini-pinning’ (BEMP) techniques were used. The technique involves the deployment of a 3 mm Trevo retriever followed by microcatheter removal and blind advancement of a 3MAX aspiration catheter over the bare retriever delivery wire (‘blind exchange’) until clot contact under aspiration. The retriever is subsequently partially recaptured in order to ‘cork’ the thrombus (‘mini-pinning’) and the system pulled as a unit. Patients with distal occlusions treated with BEMP and standard techniques (either 3 mm Trevo or 3MAX) were compared.ResultsTwenty-five vessels were treated in 22 patients. The majority of patients had isolated distal occlusions predominantly in the distal middle cerebral artery (MCA) segments, half of which involved the superior division. The comparison between BEMP (n=25 vessels) and standard techniques (n=144 vessels) revealed balanced groups. One of the highlighted differences was the more distal MCA occlusions among those who underwent BEMP (M3 occlusions 52% vs 22%; p=0.001). Otherwise, the vessel, segments, divisions and luminal diameter were comparable. There was a higher rate of first-pass modified Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction 2b–3 (80% vs 56%; p=0.03) and a trend towards higher rates of first-pass full reperfusion (60% vs 40%; p=0.07) with BEMP compared with standard techniques. Final reperfusion and clinical outcomes were comparable.ConclusionBEMP appears to be a safe and effective technique for the treatment of distal occlusions. Additional studies are warranted.