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Introduction Establishing an effective midline program involves more than simply learning an insertion technique for a new product. Midline catheters provide a reliable vascular access option for those patients with difficult venous access who would otherwise require multiple venipunctures or the use of higher-risk central lines to maintain access. An effective midline program establishes a protocol for device selection and includes standing orders to facilitate speed to placement. Methods Our retrospective descriptive review evaluated the successful integration of midline programs into existing vascular access bedside insertion programs in 2 acute care hospitals. The investigator reviewed a convenience sample of hospital patients. Participants in the study included vascular access team managers and team members from the sample sites. Results The results of this 2-hospital study demonstrate successful integration of a midline program into a bedside insertion program with 0 midline-related infections since initiation. Documentation of overall central line-associated bloodstream infection rates for hospital 1 changed from 1.7/1000 catheter-days to 0.2/1000 catheter-days, reflecting a 78% reduction in infections and a projected cost avoidance of $531,570 annually. Both hospitals demonstrated reduced rates of infection following implementation of a midline program. Conclusions Midlines have a history of lower risk for both infection and thrombosis compared with central venous devices. Although more research is needed on the more recently developed midline catheters, available evidence suggests that midlines provide a safe and reliable form of vascular access, reducing costs and the risk of infection associated with central venous catheters, especially those placed solely for patients with difficult venous access. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Central venous access devices (CVADs) are an essential part of patient therapy and provide a route for the delivery of intravenous medications, solutions, and blood sampling, as well as for hemodialysis. Complications such as CVAD occlusions can have a significant impact on the patient and health care system, causing suboptimal treatment, yet there is a lack of standard practices for CVAD occlusion management outside of hemodialysis. A national task force of Canadian clinicians was formed to review the published literature and develop a clinical guideline for the management of catheter occlusions - for CVADs not used specifically for hemodialysis. The recommendations are presented here. Clinical practice tools and templates that support the application of this guideline will be available to ensure safe and effective management of CVAD occlusions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Significance: Many hospitalized patients require an intravenous (IV) catheter to maintain vascular access or for administration of fluids and medications. The best approach to attaining peripheral intravenous (PIV) access for long term therapy is unknown, particularly in patients with a history of difficult IV placement. Purpose: To measure clinical outcomes using a Modified Seldinger Technique (MST) with ultrasound (US) guidance to achieve and maintain PIV for long term IV therapy. Methods: Subjects were patients with a history of difficult peripheral intravenous catheter placement and need for IV therapy longer than 72 hours. Modified Seldinger Technique was used with US guidance to place all PIVs in the deep veins of the upper extremities. Results: A convenience sample of 157 subjects was enrolled in the study. Mean dwell time for catheter duration was seven days. First attempt placement success was 95%, 88.5% of patients had completion of IV therapy, and a low overall complication rate (9.57/1000 catheter days). Conclusion: Using MST for access for long term PTV therapy was associated with low complications and effective in our study population. Using MST requires specialized knowledge and skills, including the use of US and specialized insertion techniques. In patients who require extended PIV therapy with a history of difficult IV placement, this type of insertion technique may have benefit. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Although it is common for central line catheters to develop a thrombotic occlusion, pediatric patients are at especially high risk of occlusion due to smaller vessels, smaller-gauge catheters, and slower rates of infusion. Mitigating catheter occlusions is costly, requiring tissue plasminogen activator, supplies, and nursing time. Our facility tested a novel neutral displacement needle-free valve designed to reduce occlusion. Methodology The organization determined a baseline occlusion rate for Hickman/Broviac catheters, in our 38-bed inpatient hematology/oncology department and our outpatient hematology/oncology clinic from August 2010 through October 2010. In 2011, a premarket test of the Neutron device (ICU Medical, San Clemente, CA) was conducted on the units. Based on the positive trial results, it was decided to implement the device housewide in December 2012. Results A comparison of baseline central line complete occlusion rates from August to October 2010 with Neutron trial data from July to October 2011. This pilot project demonstrated a 74.3% reduction (from a rate of 3.82 to a rate of 0.98) in all hematology/oncology department Hickman and Broviac complete catheter occlusions. Subsequently, comparing 5 months of housewide occlusion data from June through October 2012 to 2013, complete occlusions fell by 32.1% (from a rate of 1.56 to a rate of 1.06). Conclusions The use of the Neutron needle-free catheter patency device was associated with a reduction in complete occlusions. The corresponding reduction in treatment delays, nursing time spent managing occluded catheters, and fewer needlesticks to patients likely translates to financial benefit for the organization and improved patient and family satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]