Central venous catheter (CVC) placement is a routine procedure in ICUs but can be associated with various complications, including misplacement and thrombosis. We present a rare case of parotid gland enlargement due to catheter-related thrombosis of the external jugular vein following ultrasound-guided placement through the subclavian vein in an 84-year-old woman. This case was managed with systemic anticoagulation and catheter removal. It emphasizes the importance of confirming correct CVC tip positioning and highlights the need for a post-procedure chest X-ray.

Malnutrition is a common problem among hospitalized older patients. Peripheral parenteral nutrition (PN) can improve patient outcomes but can also lead to complications that affect future treatment. Older inpatients, in particular, are expected to be prone to these catheter-related complications. However, the impact of peripheral PN on older inpatients has been rarely investigated. In the current study, the impact of PN on short peripheral catheters (SPCs) was evaluated by comparing signs and symptoms at the time of catheter removal between 22 patients with PN and 27 without. In addition to external clinical assessment, sonographic investigations of the SPC site were performed. The prevalence of external signs and symptoms of complications was similar between the patients (all P > 0.05). However, subcutaneous edema was found by ultrasound in > 80% of patients with PN, compared with 55.6% of those without PN (P = 0.051). Unlike cases without PN, all patients with PN who presented with external signs and symptoms developed subcutaneous edema (P = 0.022). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that administration of PN was independently associated with subcutaneous edema (adjusted odds ratio = 6.88, 95% confidence interval = 1.083-75.486, P = 0.040). For several decades, phlebitis has been the primary focus of complications related to peripheral PN in clinical settings. However, our results imply that peripheral PN causes subcutaneous edema, which can lead to catheter failure in older inpatients. This study contributes to understanding the etiology of catheter failure during peripheral PN in this population.

Fibroblastic sleeve is a common pathophysiological phenomenon characterized by the formation of a mixed fibrous-collagen tissue encasing the outside of venous access devices. Although it nearly always presents asymptomatically, this catheter-related complication represents one of the leading culprits of venous catheters malfunction. Several techniques have been described for the management of dysfunctional catheters secondary to fibroblastic sleeve, including medical therapy, catheter exchange, balloon angioplasty, and percutaneous stripping. However, there is no common consensus for the treatment management in patients who present contraindications to surgical port removal. This report illustrates the case of a port catheter malfunction due to a fibroblastic sleeve in an oncological patient with a high risk of bleeding. This was effectively treated with a minimally invasive stripping technique using an off-label device for mechanical thrombectomy, namely the ClotTriever system (Inari Medical, Irvine, CA).

Bladder perforation, a significant urological emergency, presents a diagnostic challenge due to its diverse etiologies and varying clinical manifestations. This paper discusses a rare case of bladder perforation in an 87-year-old woman with a history of hypertension and previous stomach and uterine cancer. The patient was admitted with a urinary tract infection and subsequently experienced mild abdominal discomfort and reduced urinary output, prompting further investigation. Imaging studies revealed bladder wall thickening and ureterohydronephrosis, raising suspicion of a bladder tumor. Intriguingly, a catheter-related bladder perforation was identified through MRI. This case emphasizes the importance of considering bladder perforation as a potential complication, especially in elderly patients with indwelling catheters. Clinicians must maintain a high index of suspicion and employ appropriate diagnostic modalities to ensure timely recognition and suitable management of this rare condition.

UNASSIGNED: Survival of tunneled cuffed catheters (TCC), used widely in children, is complicated by infections and catheter dysfunction. In resource limited settings, where risk of complications could be higher and waiting period for transplantation longer, catheter survival determines patient survival. This study was conducted to determine infection free catheter survival rates, incidence of catheter failure and associated risk factors.
UNASSIGNED: Children <18 years of age receiving maintenance hemodialysis through TCC at nephrology division of a pediatric hospital, over a period of 6 years. Data was collected with consecutive selection by a complete enumeration technique from pre-collected data sheets in the records. Exposure detected were catheter infections, thrombosis, and mechanical complications.
UNASSIGNED: Forty-five TCCs in 36 children studied for 12,590 catheter days showed catheter failure in 36%, due to catheter related infections in 75% and mechanical complications in 25%. The incidence of complications per 1000 catheter days was 1.19 infection, 1.03 thrombus, and 0.39 mechanical. Catheter-related blood stream infection (CRBSI) (15/36) was associated with thrombus in nine and led to mortality in three. The mean infection free catheter survival was 449 ± 42 days for cohort with 388 ± 38 days in Group A (premature catheter removal) and 593 ± 43 days in Group B (elective removal) (P = 0.03). Catheterization duration of 267 days predicted CRBSI (sensitivity 93%, specificity 66.7%) with area under the curve of 0.808.
UNASSIGNED: Median infection free catheter survival was 449 days with catheter failure in 36%. CRBSI was the main cause of failure. Duration of catheterization greater than 267 days was a predictor of CRBSI.

OBJECTIVE: The incidence of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC)-related complications is higher in cancer patients than in noncancer patients. However, the pattern of specific complication occurrence over time remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical characteristics of PICC-related complications in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy.
METHODS: This prospective, observational study was conducted at a university-affiliated hospital in Western China. Cancer patients undergoing PICC insertion for anticancer treatment were recruited and followed up until the first week after catheter removal. Any complications, including occurrence time and outcomes, were recorded. The trajectory of specific PICC-related complications over time were identify based on the Kaplan‒Meier curve analysis.
RESULTS: Of the 233 patients analyzed, nearly half (n = 112/233, 48.1%) developed 150 PICC-related complication events. The most common were symptomatic catheter-related thrombosis (CRT) (n = 37/233, 15.9%), medical adhesive-related skin injury (MARSI) (n = 27/233, 11.6%), and catheter dislodgement (n = 17/233, 7.3%), accounting for 54.0% (n = 81/150, 54.0%) of total complications events. According to Kaplan‒Meier curve analysis, symptomatic CRT, pain, phlebitis, and insertion site bleeding were classified as the \"early onset\" group mainly occurring within the first month post-insertion. Catheter fracture and catheter-related bloodstream infection were classified as the \"late onset\" group occurring after the second month post-insertion. MARSI, catheter dislodgement, occlusion, and insertion site infection were classified as the \"persistent onset\" group persistently occurring during the whole catheter-dwelling period. Among the 112 patients with PICC-related complications, 50 (44.6%) patients had their catheters removed due to complications, and 62 (55.4%) patients successfully retained their catheters until treatment completion through conventional interventions. The major reasons for unplanned catheter removal were catheter dislodgement (n = 12/233, 5.2%), symptomatic CRT (n = 10/233, 4.3%), and MARSI (n = 7/233, 3.0%), accounting for 58.0% (n = 29/50, 58.0%) of the total unplanned catheter removal cases. Catheter dwelling times between patients with complications under successful interventions (130.5 ± 32.1 days) and patients with no complications (138.2 ± 46.4 days) were not significantly different (t = 1.306, p = 0.194; log-rank test = 2.610, p = 0.106).
CONCLUSIONS: PICC-related complications were pretty common in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. The time distribution of PICC-related complications varied, and medical staff should develop time-specific protocols for prevention. Because more than half of the patients with PICC-related complications could be managed with conventional interventions, PICCs remain a priority for cancer patients undergoing short-term chemotherapy. The study was registered in 02/08/2019 at Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (registration number: ChiCTR1900024890).

While implanted port catheters (\"PORTs\") have historically been the standard device for intravenous systemic anticancer therapy, the use of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) has increased continuously and reliable catheter selection guidelines are lacking. We compare complication rates of PORTs and PICCs in cancer treatment in a retrospective study of 3365 patients with both solid organ (n = 2612) and hematologic (n = 753) malignancies, between 2001 and 2021. 26.4% (n = 890) of all patients were treated via PICCs and 73.6% (2475) via PORTs. 20.7% (578) experienced a major catheter-related complication with a higher rate in PICCs than in PORTs (23.5% vs 14.9%, P < .001). Among major complications, infections and mechanical complications were more common in PICCs than in PORTs (11.9% vs 6.4%, P = .001, 7.3% vs 4.2%, P = .002), whereas the rate of thrombosis was similar (3.4% vs 3.0%, P = .9). While PORTs had a higher rate of periprocedural complications (2.7% vs 1.1%, P < .05), PICCs overall complication rate exceeded PORTs within 3 days from implantation. Median follow-up was 49 (PICC) and 60 weeks (PORT). PORTs are safer and therefore should be preferred in this setting regardless of catheter dwell time.

Central venous catheterization (CVC) is a frequent procedure, practiced by intensivists, anesthesiologists and advanced practice nurses in intensive care units and operative rooms. To reduce CVC-associated morbidity, it is essential to strive for best practices, based on the latest evidence. This narrative review aims to synthesize current knowledge on evidence-based best practices for CVC that improve the use and feasibility of real-time ultrasound-guided insertion procedures. Optimization of the vein puncture technique and the development of new technologies are discussed to reinforce the use of the subclavian vein catheterization as first choice. The search for alternative site of insertions, without increasing infectious and thrombotic risks, deserves further research.

The placement of a central venous catheter (CVC) is a common intervention in hospitalized patients. Several adverse events have been reported in this \"blind\" procedure when it is performed without the aid of ultrasound, including artery catheterization, which although uncommon, is a serious complication. Potential treatment options include manual compression, open surgical repair, and endovascular treatment. A 62-year-old critically ill patient with accidental arterial catheterization of the right common carotid artery (CCA) during placement of CVC is presented. The catheter was removed successfully with the use of a Perclose-ProGlide closure device. A systematic literature review was performed to identify similar cases treated with the same technique. This case presents an alternative minimally invasive treatment option, using a Perclose Proglide (Abbott) closure device for the removal of a misplaced CVC in the right CCA. Although this is an off-label use of the device it can be an effective alternative treatment option, especially in unstable patients.

Background Central venous cannulation provides venous access in different settings. Multiple guidelines and checklists still recommend confirmation of central venous catheter (CVC) tip position using a chest radiograph. The rationale is to detect and prevent complications thus optimizing CVC placement. Our primary hypothesis is that confirmation of catheter tip position by chest radiograph is not associated with increased catheter duration. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted with 921 patients included. Demographic, procedure and catheter data was obtained from adult patients that placed a CVC in the operating room. The catheter tip was independently classified as \"optimal\" or \"malpositioned\" independently by two researchers. Results Data from 921 CVC placements was collected. Patients who had a post-procedure chest radiograph (n=682, 74.0%) differed from those who did not in terms of co-morbidities (p=0.030), indication for CVC (p=0.023), duration of placement (p<0.001), number of punctured veins (p=0.036) and use of ultrasound (p<0.001). There was substantial agreement between researchers when classifying CVC tip as \"optimal\" or \"malpositioned\" (κ=0.632, p<0.001). No statistically significant difference was found between duration or complications of \"optimal\" CVCs compared to unknown tip/\"malpositioned\" CVCs. This study showed a 99% rate of clinically redundant chest radiographs according to Pikwer\'s criteria for radiographic examination. Conclusion No difference was found regarding catheter duration or complications when comparing \"optimal\" and unknown/\"malpositioned\" tip. This study illustrates some consequences of post-procedure radiographs and reinforces that the risks/benefits should be weighed and that chest radiograph should not be done by routine.