Cath-Finder-TM Catheter Tracking System: a new device for positioning of central venous catheters. Early experience from implantation of brachial portal systems

To simplify the implantation procedure of a new brachially implantable venous access system (P.A.S. Port. Pharmacia Deltec Inc., St. Paul, MN, USA), the Cath-Finder Catheter Tracking System (Pharmacia Deltec) was evaluated. The Cath-Finder senses the catheter tip position by utilizing a preconnected sensor wire (guidewire) within a catheter to detect an electromagnetic signal transmitted through the body tissue from a locator wand positioned over an appropriate external landmark. The aim of the study was to evaluate the accuracy of the Cath-Finder (compared to fluoroscopy) in determining the catheter tip position peroperatively during implantation of P.A.S. Port systems in patients with malignant diseases. The accuracy of the Cath-Finder in assessing the position of the catheter tip was registered in 16 implantation procedures. The tip positions determined with the Cath-Finder (when projected on the skin) correlated well to fluoroscopy (within 1 cm in eleven patients, 2-3 cm in four patients, and 4 cm in one patient). By using the right 3rd rib parasternally as an external landmark for the locator wand, the Cath-Finder Catheter Tracking System appears to be an alternative to fluoroscopy peroperatively for accurate placement of central venous catheters in the superior vena cava. However, a postoperative confirmatory x-ray control is recommended until further experience of the system is available.     

Is a routine chest x-ray necessary for children after fluoroscopically assisted central venous access?

Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine in a pediatric population whether a routine chest x-ray after central venous access is necessary when the central venous catheter is placed with intraoperative fluoroscopy.Methods: This was a retrospective review of the charts of all patients at Children’s Hospital in Denver, Colorado who underwent subclavian or internal jugular central venous catheter placement from January 1, 1998 through December 31, 2001. Age, sex, primary reason for access, access site, number of venipuncture attempts, type of catheter, intraoperative fluoroscopy results, chest x-ray results, location of the tip of the catheter, and complications were analyzed.Results: There were 1,039 central venous catheters placed in 824 patients, 92.6% in the subclavian vein and 7.4% in the internal jugular vein. There were 604 (58.1%) children who had both fluoroscopy and a postprocedure chest x-ray, there were 308 (29.6%) who had only fluoroscopy, there were 117 (11.3%) who had only a postprocedure chest x-ray, and there were 10 (1.0%) who had neither fluoroscopy nor chest x-ray. On completion of the procedure, there were 12 (1.1%) children with misplaced central venous catheters, only 1 (0.1%) when intraoperative fluoroscopy was used. There were 17 (1.6%) complications; 9 (0.9%) were pulmonary (pneumothorax, hemothorax, or an effusion). All children with pulmonary complications experienced clinical signs and symptoms suggestive of the complication after their central venous catheter insertion but before their postprocedure chest x-ray.Conclusions: The number of complications encountered in children who had central venous access of the subclavian vein or internal jugular central vein with intraoperative fluoroscopy was infrequent, the number of misplaced catheters was minimized with intraoperative fluoroscopy, and all children with pulmonary complications showed clinical signs suggestive of pulmonary complications before postoperative chest x-ray. Therefore, children who have had central venous access of the subclavian and internal jugular vein with intraoperative fluoroscopy do not appear to require a routine chest x-ray after catheter placement unless clinical suspicion of a complication exists.     

The electrocardiographic method for positioning the tip of central venous catheters

Tip position of a central venous access is of paramount importance and should be verified before starting infusion. Intra-procedural methods for verifying the location of the tip are to be preferred, since they avoid the risks, delays and costs of repositioning the tip. Among the intra-procedural methods, the electrocardiography (EKG) method has many advantages since it is as accurate as fluoroscopy, but simpler, more readily available, less expensive, safer and more cost-effective. The only contraindication to utilizing the EKG method is the difficulty in identifying the standard P-wave on a surface EKG (this happens - usually because of severe arrhythmias, such as atrial fibrillation - in only approximately 7% of cases: although such patients are easily identified before the procedure, and are referred to other methods for tip positioning). When dealing with the insertion of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC), the EKG method (using the column of saline technique) virtually has no risk of false positives. The EKG method removes the need for the post-procedural chest x-ray, as long as there is no expected risk of pleuropulmonary damage to be ruled out (example: ultrasound guided central venipuncture for central venous catheter insertion or any kind of PICC insertion). In conclusion, evidence is mounting that the EKG method may be a valid and cost-effective alternative to the standard radiological control of the location of the tip of any central venous access device (VAD), and that will rapidly become the preferential method for confirming the tip position during PICC insertion.     

An evaluation of two methods for chronic central venous access device placement

BACKGROUND: Chronic venous access devices (CVADs), placed for phlebotomy and the administration of medications and nutrition, require fluoroscopy to confirm correct catheter position. Long-term central venous catheters placed using an electromagnetic catheter locating system (EMCLS) could result in decreased radiation exposure and decreased cost without compromising accuracy of position. METHODS: Charts of patients who underwent placement of CVADs at University of New Mexico (UNM) Hospital or UNM Cancer Center were reviewed. Inclusion criteria included age >20 years and placement of a central CVAD utilizing fluoroscopy (group 1) or the EMCLS (group 2). Radiation exposure, complications, cost, and accuracy of placement were determined for each technique. RESULTS: Between June 1996 and June 1998, 196 patients underwent placement of CVADs. Complete data sets were available for 46 patients in each group. There were no statistically significant differences in age, gender, complications, or operating room times (P = 0.26). Fluoroscopy and EMCLS were equally accurate for the correct placement of the tip of the line (P = 0.12). Mean patient radiation exposure was EMCLS, 30 mRem, and fluoroscopy, 771 mRem. EMCLS significantly decreased cost (P = 0.025) when compared with fluoroscopic assisted catheter placement. CONCLUSIONS: The use of EMCLS for CVAD placement reduces radiation exposure and cost without compromising the accuracy of placement when compared with standard fluoroscopic-assisted placement.     

A checklist to improve the quality of central venous catheter tip positioning

Central venous catheter insertion is a routine procedure performed by anaesthetists in the peri-operative setting. Upper body central venous catheters are usually placed such that their tip lies within the superior vena cava or at the cavo-atrial junction. Positioning the tip ‘too low’ in the right atrium has long been argued against on the basis that it increases the risk of perforation, leading to cardiac tamponade. Positioning the tip ‘too high’ in the brachiocephalic vein or above can also be problematic in that proximal migration can result in extravascular placement of the proximal lumen. Such an incident occurred at our hospital in 2016, resulting in extravasation of a vesicant medication causing tissue necrosis. We undertook a quality improvement project involving a standardised bundle of care and a peri-operative central venous catheter insertion checklist with the aim of reducing the risk of such an incident re-occurring. We conducted a three-month pre-intervention audit (n = 84) in 2016 and a post-intervention audit (n = 84) in 2017. Compared with the pre-intervention audit, the post-intervention audit coincided with a lower rate of central venous catheter tip malpositioning (5.6% vs. 9.2%); and a higher rate of ‘optimal’ central venous catheter tip position in the distal superior vena cava or cavo-atrial junction (45.1% vs. 29.2%). The central venous catheter insertion checklist also substantially improved documentation of sterility measures, insertion depth and post-insertional documentation of tip position on chest radiograph.     

Central venous catheter placement using the ECG-guided cavafix-certodyn SD catheter

Study Objective: To evaluate the clinical use of a new ECG-guided central venous catheter with regard to positioning in the superior vena caves (SVC).

Design: Prospective study.

Setting: Operating rooms of a university hospital and a general hospital.

Patients: 89 elective and emergency adult surgical patients requiring central venous catheterization perioperatively.

Interventions: We performed ECG-guided placement of the central venous catheter from several insertion sites. After we observed an intra-atrial p-wave (p-atriale), the catheter was withdrawn 3 cm back into the SVC. Postoperative anterior-posterior chest radiographs were performed for verification of tip localization.

Measurements and Main Results: In all 81 patients who exhibited a p-atriale that reverted to a normal-size p-wave (p-SVC) after withdrawal of the catheter 3 cm, the tip was located in the SVC or the SVC-right atrial junction on the chest radiograph. In 7 of the 8 cases without a p-atriale, the catheter tip was shown to be located at an incorrect position on the chest radiograph. The size of the p-atriale was always at least twice that of the p-SVC.

Conclusions: Use of this wire-conducted intravascularECG signal is a reliable tool for positioning the central venous catheter via various insertion sites. The technique proved to be an inexpensive, easy, and clear method. When a p-atriale is seen, uncomplicated insertions do not require radiologic guidance to control catheter tip position.     

Hickman central venous catheters

Long-term central venous cannulation is frequently required for the treatment of patients with cancer. Almost 25 years ago, Hickman described the use of a long silicone catheter, incorporating a Dacron cuff, which was tunnelled over the chest wall and into the central veins. The technique has slowly evolved. Currently, a percutaneous technique incorporating a peel-away sheath introducer and accurate positioning with the aid of an image intensifier is commonly used. The tip of the catheter is placed in the right atrium to reduce pain and thrombotic complications. With meticulous aseptic technique on insertion and fastidious maintenance of hygiene, these catheters may be used for several years. Insertion complications range from minor bleeding to potentially fatal complications of pneumothorax, haemothorax and laceration of the great veins.     

Operative insertion of a transvenous left atrial pressure monitoring line

We describe a technique for the insertion of a left atrial pressure monitoring line during open heart operations in infants. The procedure requires central venous cannulation with a long catheter, followed by intraoperative placement of the catheter tip through the interatrial septum into the left atrium. The technique has been used successfully in 35 infants.     

Hydrothorax as a late complication of central venous indwelling catheters

Two cases of delayed onset hydrothorax following central venous catheterization are reported. Both involved left internal jugular vein percutaneous insertion sites, and chest roentgenograms of both demonstrated that the catheter tips were juxtaposed against the superior vena cava wall. Although both catheters functioned well for several days, we believe that this left neck site allowed for catheter tip motion, resulting in delayed perforation of the vessel. To avoid this complication we recommend that central venous catheters be checked routinely for position, with the catheter tip being parallel to the vessel wall. The left neck approach should be avoided if possible because of anatomic and mobility problems. These cases emphasize the fact that hydrothorax can occur long after successful catheter insertion, and they demonstrate the need to have continued suspicion of the possibility of this occurrence.     

Malposition of a totally implantable venous access catheter in the azygous vein: Report of a case

We report herein the case of a 2-year-old girl with short bowel syndrome who developed chest pain 2 weeks after a totally implantable central venous access catheter had been surgically placed to facilitate total parenteral nutrition. A lateral chest X-ray and contrast flow study subsequently revealed that the catheter tip had been inserted into the azygous vein. Although this complication is very rare, it may be encountered more commonly with the increasing use of this type of venous access. Thus, we believe that a lateral chest X-ray should be routinely performed on all patients following catheter insertion to check for possible malposition of the tip in the azygous vein.     

Routine chest roentgenogram after central venous catheter insertion is not always necessary

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the usefulness of routine radiologic control after the insertion of a central venous catheter as a tool that might modify treatment of patients. METHODS: A prospective study was made of 149 patients submitted to central venous catheter insertion. RESULTS: In 55% of the patients the roentgenogram showed an adequate placement of the catheter tip and in 3.6% it showed some abnormal finding. Ten modifications were carried out based on the radiologic results. The prolonged partial thromboplastin time value and the subjective degree of difficulty showed a statistical relation to the appearance of complications. The number of punctures above one related to abnormal radiologic findings. CONCLUSIONS: The results suggest that routine chest radiology after the insertion of a central venous catheter is not always necessary and that it should be ordered selectively, according to the findings made during the procedure and the subjective degree of difficulty.     

Where antecubital catheters go: a study under fluoroscopic control

Fifty attempted central venous cannulations via the antecubital route were studied with fluoroscopy to determine catheter tip location. Only "catheter through needle" devices were employed. Successful central placement occurred on the first attempt in 27 cases. The major impediment to central location of the catheter tip (ten cases) was the tendency of the catheter tip to lodge at the subclavian-internal jugular vein junction. The second most common cause of noncentral location was migration of the catheter tip into the internal jugular vein (nine cases). One catheter tip was located in the contralateral subclavian vein and one ended in the external jugular vein. All of these problems were avoided by two maneuvers: 1) turning the patient's head toward the side of cannulation and applying digital pressure to the ipsilateral supraclavicular fossa, and 2) withdrawing the catheter stylet and injecting 5-10 ml of physiologic saline solution while the catheter was advanced. The only cause of unsuccessful central placement in this study was inability to pass the catheter tip past the axillary venous plexus (two patients). It is concluded that the head-turn-supraclavicular fossa pressure maneuver in combination with the stylet withdrawal-saline injection maneuver can result in greater than a 90% rate of successful central venous catheter placement.     

Intra-cavitary ECG is an effective method for correct positioning the tip of tunneled Groshong catheters

Background: Intra-cavitary electrocardiography (ECG) is a well-known method for correct positioning of the tip of central venous catheters (CVC). A significant increase in the P wave, as registered by the intra-cavitary electrode, signals the entrance of the catheter into the right atrium. Methods: In this prospective observational study, 155 consecutive oncologic patients were enrolled for cannulation of the right or left internal jugular vein for insertion of a tunneled Groshong catheter. In 150 patients the tip was positioned by means of intracavitary ECG. Five patients with atrial fibrillation (N=4) or pacemaker in place (N=1) were excluded from the study. As the P-wave amplitude began to increase, the catheter was secured in that position and the insertion depth was registered. Results: Intra-cavitary ECG was always apt to detect the increase in the P wave. On the post-operative chest x-ray all Groshong catheters except two were in the correct position. Conclusions: The need for chest x-ray or fluoroscopy may be virtually eliminated by using the ECG technique.     

Control of the placement of a central venous catheter using Doppler ultrasound

Precise placement of central venous catheters is necessary to prevent complications and assure proper functioning. Chest X-ray is the current standard method of locating the catheter tip. This is usually not feasible in the operating room setting, particularly after the induction of anesthesia. Intravascular ECG registration using the catheter as a lead and identification of intra-atrial P-waves has been suggested as an alternative. In the present study we evaluated the use of Doppler sonography as a noninvasive method of locating the catheter tip and detecting faulty placement. Two hundred patients scheduled for insertion of a central venous catheter took part in this study. The catheters were inserted via standard routes (internal or external jugular vein, basilar or cephalic vein). A Doppler sonographic device with a 2 mHz probe was used (Parke Electronics 915L). The probe was applied to the right sternal border and affixed at the position where the characteristic venous flow sound was most distinct. The signals were displayed visually, subjected to spectral analysis, and also recorded for later evaluation. A rapid injection of 2-5 ml isotonic saline causes turbulences which can readily be heard and recognized without special training. The position of every catheter was later confirmed by radiography, and in 159 patients the intraatrial ECG method was subjected to direct comparison with the sonographic method. The turbulences due to the injected fluid were found to cause an increased amplitude at frequencies above 350 Hz. If the catheter tip was positioned correctly there was no discernable time lag between the start of the injection and perception of turbulences.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)     

Defining peripherally inserted central catheter tip position and an evaluation of insertions in one unit

Peripherally inserted central catheters are increasingly used to provide access to the central venous circulation. They are commonly positioned ‘blind’ using a variety of anthropometric techniques and operator experience to direct insertion length. Malposition rates are poorly defined because of differing insertion techniques, difficulties defining anatomical tip position on chest radiographs, controversy over what constitutes an adequate catheter position and possible differences between patient groups. We have developed a reproducible method to define catheter positions on chest radiograph and have applied this in a retrospective analysis of 256 ICU and 243 non‐ICU catheter insertions over a 6‐month period. Two different definitions were used for adequate position. ‘Blind’ positioning of peripherally inserted central catheters was associated with a definition‐dependent malposition rate of 42–76%. Malposition rates were significantly higher in ICU patients. Emerging technologies may assist in reducing these high rates.     

Secondary migration of a central venous catheter. A case report

A case of central venous catheter (CVC) secondary migration in a patient with Hodgkin's lymphoma is reported. The catheter was inserted in the right internal jugular vein with anterior approach. The correct position of the catheter tip in the superior vena cava was confirmed by X-ray. Secondary migration to the right subclavian vein, without displacement at the point of insertion, was reported 8 days later by a chest X-ray performed for worsening of the respiratory condition. CVC was removed and reinserted with the same procedure. The correct position of the catheter tip was confirmed by thoracic radiography till 10 days later. Epidemiological data present in the literature and secondary migration predisposing factors are reported.     

超声引导经锁骨下静脉置入植入式输液港的效果

目的 探讨应用超声引导定位在经锁骨下静脉人路置入植入式输液港的效果.方法 选择乳腺癌患者60例,年龄28～63岁,体重41～70 kg,身高150～168 cm,ASA Ⅰ或Ⅱ级,拟经锁骨下静脉穿刺置入植入式输液港行长期输液及化疗,输液港导管尖端位置应在上腔静脉和右心房交界处.随机分为2组(n=30):对照组(C组)经锁骨下静脉穿刺,采用脉冲注射冰盐水实验的方法引导定位植入式输液港导管尖端位置.超声组(U组)经锁骨下静脉穿刺,采用超声引导定位植入式输液港导管尖端位置.所有患者术后均经过X线摄片进行导管定位.计算两组患者首次置入成功率.结果 U组患者术后X线摄片显示输液港导管尖端均在上腔静脉和右心房交界处,未发生导管偏离进入颈内静脉的现象,首次置入成功率100%.C组术后X线摄片显示有6例患者的输液港导管发生了偏离,进入颈内静脉,需回手术室在超声引导定位下重新穿刺置管,首次置入成功率80%.U组首次置入成功率高于C组(P<0.05).结论 超声引导定位是经锁骨下静脉正确放置植入式输液港的有效手段.     

Use of electrocardiogram to position right atrial catheters during surgery.

OBJECTIVE: This study evaluated the accuracy of placing right atrial catheters using an electrocardiographic (ECG) technique. SUMMARY BACKGROUND DATA: Placement of right atrial catheters for vascular access is a common operative procedure. Accurate placement is essential for proper function. Previous placement techniques have used fluoroscopy, which is both time consuming and hazardous. METHODS: The accuracy of placement of 1236 right atrial catheters using an ECG technique was compared to placement of 586 catheters using fluoroscopy between March 1991 and November 1995. In the ECG technique, the catheter was flushed with sodium bicarbonate. A sterile left-leg ECG lead was attached to the catheter with the other ECG leads applied normally. On advancing the catheter through the superior vena cava, the P-wave amplitude (lead II) increased in negative deflection until greater than the QRS complex. Passing the sinoatrial node, the P-wave developed an initial positive then negative deflection. The catheter was positioned so the P-wave was biphasic, representing a position midway between the sinoatrial and atrioventricular nodes. For the fluoroscopic technique, catheters were positioned under direct observation just within the atrium estimated from cardiac contour. Use of contrast was optional if atrial anatomy was unclear. RESULTS: Postoperative portable chest x-rays showed the ECG method to position the catheter tip within the right atrium just as accurately (average, 1.9 +/- 1.3 cm) as with the use of fluoroscopy (average, 1.1 +/- 1.6 cm). The ECG method eliminated an average of 20 seconds of radiation exposure, an average of 3.0 minutes operating room time (p < 0.04), avoided all risks of contrast dye, and saved $279.10 per case. CONCLUSIONS: The ECG method is a satisfactory alternative to that of fluoroscopy for placement of long-term central venous catheters into the right atrium.     

A prospective randomised trial comparing insertion success rate and incidence of catheterisation‐related complications for subclavian venous catheterisation using a thin‐walled introducer needle or a catheter‐over‐needle technique

In clinical practice, both a thin‐walled introducer needle and catheter‐over‐needle technique can be used to allow insertion of a guidewire during central venous catheterisation using the Seldinger technique. We compared the incidence of catheterisation‐related complications (arterial puncture, haemothorax, pneumothorax, haematoma and catheter tip malposition) and insertion success rate for these two techniques in patients requiring right‐sided subclavian central venous catheterisation. A total of 414 patients requiring infraclavicular subclavian venous catheterisation were randomly allocated to either a thin‐walled introducer needle (needle group, n = 208) or catheter‐over‐needle technique (catheter group, n = 206). The catheterisation‐related complication rate was lower in the needle group compared with the catheter group (5.8% vs. 15.5%; p = 0.001). Overall insertion success rates were similar (97.1% and 92.7% in the needle and catheter groups respectively; p = 0.046), although the first‐pass success rate was higher in the needle group (62.0% vs. 35.4%; p < 0.001). We recommend the use of a thin‐walled introducer needle technique for right‐sided infraclavicular subclavian venous catheterisation.     

超声引导经锁骨下静脉置入植入式输液港的效果

目的 探讨应用超声引导定位在经锁骨下静脉人路置入植入式输液港的效果.方法 选择乳腺癌患者60例,年龄28～63岁,体重41～70 kg,身高150～168 cm,ASA Ⅰ或Ⅱ级,拟经锁骨下静脉穿刺置入植入式输液港行长期输液及化疗,输液港导管尖端位置应在上腔静脉和右心房交界处.随机分为2组(n=30):对照组(C组)经锁骨下静脉穿刺,采用脉冲注射冰盐水实验的方法引导定位植入式输液港导管尖端位置.超声组(U组)经锁骨下静脉穿刺,采用超声引导定位植入式输液港导管尖端位置.所有患者术后均经过X线摄片进行导管定位.计算两组患者首次置入成功率.结果 U组患者术后X线摄片显示输液港导管尖端均在上腔静脉和右心房交界处,未发生导管偏离进入颈内静脉的现象,首次置入成功率100%.C组术后X线摄片显示有6例患者的输液港导管发生了偏离,进入颈内静脉,需回手术室在超声引导定位下重新穿刺置管,首次置入成功率80%.U组首次置入成功率高于C组(P<0.05).结论 超声引导定位是经锁骨下静脉正确放置植入式输液港的有效手段.