Continuous thermographic observation may predict extravasation in chemotherapy-treated patients

Sensing Technologies for Extravasation Detection: A Review

Peripheral intravenous catheters are administered for various purposes, such as blood sampling or the infusion of contrast agents and drugs. Extravasation happens when the catheter is unintentionally directed outside of the vein due to movement of the intravascular catheter, enhanced vascular permeability, or occlusion of the upstream vein. In this article, extravasation and its mechanism are discussed. Subsequently, the sensorized devices (e.g., single sensor and multimodal detection) to identify the extravasation phenomena are highlighted. In this review article, we have shed light on both physiological and engineering points of view of extravasation and its detection approaches. This review provides an overview on the most recent and relevant technologies that can help in the early detection of extravasation.

Evaluation of a thermosensitive liquid crystal film for catheterization site assessment immediately following chemotherapy administration: An observational study

PURPOSE

Extravasation incidence is exceptionally low; however, ulceration or necrosis occurs in severe cases, possibly requiring surgical treatment. Early extravasation signs and symptoms are not always evident on treatment day, and inflammation, which leads to ulceration or necrosis, may appear several days later. Therefore, to minimize damage, identification of high-risk groups is required. This study aims to investigate the relationship between subcutaneous edema which is an early extravasation sign, and skin surface temperature using a thermosensitive liquid crystal film.

METHODS

Patients receiving chemotherapy through a peripheral intravenous catheter were recruited. Subcutaneous tissue around the catheterization site was observed for the presence of subcutaneous edema by ultrasonography. During chemotherapy initiation, a thermosensitive liquid crystal film was placed on the catheterization site. Color changes of the film were observed, and each case was classified according to low-temperature distribution patterns. To investigate the factors associated with temperature distribution pattern, logistic regression analysis was performed using clinically selected independent variables.

RESULTS

Data from 63 patients were analyzed. No obvious extravasation was observed. Film analysis revealed 34 cases of broadening low-temperature area from the vein and 23 cases of non-broadening low-temperature area from the vein. Subcutaneous edema was observed in 18 patients: 17 with broadening low-temperature area from the vein and 1 with non-broadening low-temperature area from the vein. Subcutaneous edema was positively correlated with broadening low-temperature area from the vein.

CONCLUSION

Catheter site skin temperature distribution pattern during chemotherapy was associated with subcutaneous edema which is the early extravasation sign immediately after chemotherapy.