Position dependent ventricular tachycardia in two children with peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs)

ECG-Based Techniques to Optimize Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters: Rationale for Tip Positioning and Practical Use

Intracavitary electrocardiography is an accurate guidance technique for peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) tip location that is spreading widely among providers using non x-ray-based facilities. The principle behind this technology relies on the transmission of the electrocardiographic signal at the tip of the catheter and its use as an internal mobile electrode, allowing the system to identify the cavo-atrial junction (CAJ) through internal P-wave amplitude modulations. The gain in popularity of intracavitary electrography and its large diffusion have led manufacturers to offer various devices with heterogeneous properties, among which clinician who place PICCs have to choose. It is therefore important to understand differences between available techniques and devices. The potential impact might not only affect availability and costs but also the clinical impact through advantages and limitations regarding electric signal transmission PICC selection. Current perspectives on intracavitary electrocardiography will also be discussed, to give the reader a global view of the management of electrocardiographically guided PICCs, especially in an environment without x-ray support.

Arrhythmias in Children with Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs)

To analyze the prevalence, types, and risk factors for cardiac arrhythmias associated with peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in children. This is a case-control single center retrospective study. From 3180 PICCs inserted in children (< 18 years old) between 2009 and 2013, cases with new onset arrhythmias were identified. Demographics, type and timing of arrhythmias, and possible risk factors were analyzed. ECGs, rhythm strips, physicians' records, and anti-arrhythmic management were confirmatory. The level of the PICC's tip in the superior vena cava (SVC) or right atrium (RA) was ascertained from chest X-rays and counted in rib units (RU) and vertebra units (VU). Cases were matched (1:1 ratio) to controls by weight and date of insertion. Descriptive statistics were performed. A two-sided p value < 0.05 was considered significant. Thirty-one children (1%) developed arrhythmias, 16/31 (56%) were males, and 24/31 (77%) were < 1-year age. Arrhythmias were atrial 22 (71%), ventricular 4 (13%), and undetermined 5 (16%). Median PICC dwell time was 16 days. 14/31 (45%) cases and 9/31 (29%) controls had underlying structural heart disease. PICCs central tip position was lower among cases than controls (RU 6 vs 5). Odds Ratio for developing arrhythmia was 4.5 (95% CI 0.98-20.83) if the tip lays below 6.25RU. Arrhythmias were resolved with anti-arrhythmic agents in 52% (16/31) and with PICC exchange/manipulation in 32% (10/31) cases. Two children died unrelated to arrhythmia. Prevalence of arrhythmias associated with PICCs in children is low (1%). Arrhythmias are 4.5 times more likely when PICC's central tip position is deeper than 6.25RU.

A narrative review of long-term central venous access devices for the intensivist

Long-term central venous access devices are increasingly prevalent and consequently often encountered by intensivists. This review introduces the different types of long-term central venous access devices, outlines their potential utility, examines potential complications associated with their use and outlines an approach to the management of these complications.

Position-Dependent Ventricular Tachycardia Related to Peripherally Inserted Central Venous Catheter

We report a case of a 51-year-old male who developed frequent nonsustained episodes of monomorphic ventricular tachycardia after being diagnosed with bioprosthetic aortic valve endocarditis and treated with intravenous antibiotics. A peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC) had been placed without complication less than 24 hours prior to the episodes. Ventricular tachycardia (VT) occurred during the night, while sleeping, when he assumed a right lateral decubitus position with abduction of the right arm and placement of the forearm under his head. VT occurred repeatedly when such position was assumed again upon request, and it would terminate immediately when sitting upright. The PICC was repositioned in the superior vena cava without further VT. He was discharged home the same day and underwent successful aortic valve replacement 2 months later. Position-dependent VT related to PICC requires careful history taking and PICC repositioning to make the diagnosis. X-ray in different patient positions during PICC placement can be considered to evaluate for ventricular migration.

Supraventricular tachycardia precipitated by a peripherally inserted central catheter in an infant with gastroschisis

Gastroschisis is a common congenital abdominal wall defect requiring surgical correction in early neonatal life. The time to full enteral feeds among infants with gastroschisis is variable. Gastroschisis remains a common surgical cause of intestinal failure in neonates. Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) are commonly used to provide long-term venous access for parenteral nutrition during the time enteral feeds are being slowly established. The PICC is placed under fluoroscopic guidance with the distal end of the catheter usually placed at the junction of the superior vena cava with the right atrium. In rare circumstances, the catheter tip may advance into intracardiac chambers, precipitating supraventricular re-entrant tachycardia. We report a case of an infant who was antenatally diagnosed with uncomplicated gastroschisis in whom a supraventricular tachycardia was precipitated by the PICC in the right atrium.

Sinus arrest and asystole caused by a peripherally inserted central catheter

BACKGROUND

Transient bradycardia in the critical care setting is frequently caused by hypoxemia or oropharyngeal manipulation. Central lines have been associated with a variety of cardiac arrhythmias, but sinus arrest and asystole have not been previously reported.

METHODS

A 38-year-old woman with multisystem organ failure had several episodes of prolonged sinus arrest, slow junctional escape rhythm, and periods of asystole lasting over 6 seconds. The cause of the repetitive bradyarrhythmia was evaluated by clinical observation including the response to parasympatholytic agents, by detailed analysis of rhythm strips, and review of cardiac imaging studies.

RESULTS

The episodes of bradycardia did not coincide with orotracheal manipulation, were not prevented by escalating doses of glycopyrrolate, and were not accompanied by AV conduction disturbance as is frequently seen during a transient increase in vagal tone. Review of the patient's chest X-ray and chest CT revealed that the tip of a peripherally inserted central catheter migrated to the vicinity of the sinoatrial node. Removal of the catheter resulted in prompt resolution of the episodes of sinus arrest.

CONCLUSIONS

This case demonstrates that migration of a peripherally inserted central catheter to the sinoatrial node can provoke prolonged sinus bradycardia, sinus arrest and asystole.

A randomized controlled trial of ultrasound-guided peripherally inserted central catheters compared with standard radiograph in neonates

OBJECTIVE

The placement of a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) routinely incorporates tip position confirmation using standard radiographs. In this study, we sought to determine whether real-time ultrasound (RTUS) could be used to place a PICC in a shorter time period, with fewer manipulations and fewer radiographs than the use of radiographs to determine accurate placement.

STUDY DESIGN

This was a prospective, randomized, trial of infants who required PICC placement. Catheters were placed using either standard radiograph, with blinded evaluation of the catheters using RTUS or with RTUS guidance, with input on catheter tip location. The number of radiographs required to confirm proper positioning, duration of the procedure and manipulations of the lines were recorded for both groups. Final confirmation of PICC placement was by radiographs in both groups.

RESULT

A total of 64 patients were enrolled in the study, with 16 failed PICC attempts. Of the 48 remaining infants, 28 were in the standard placement group and 20 were in the RTUS-guided group. The mean ± s.d. gestational ages and weight at time of placement were 30 ± 4 weeks and 1229 ± 485 g, respectively. The RTUS use significantly decreased the time of line placement by 30 min (P=0.034), and decreased the median number of manipulations (0 vs 1, P=0.032) and radiographs (1 vs 2 P=0.001) taken to place the catheters. Early identification of the PICC by RTUS was possible in all cases and would have saved an additional 38 min if radiographs were not required.

CONCLUSION

In the hands of ultrasound (US)-experienced neonatologists, RTUS-guided PICC placement reduces catheter insertion duration, and is associated with fewer manipulations and radiographs when compared with conventional placement.

Peripherally inserted central catheters

Peripherally inserted central catheters are increasingly used in the pediatric and adolescent population for long-term central access. This article reviews the indications, insertion techniques, and complications of peripherally inserted central catheter lines.

Vascular access in the neonate

Up to recently, inserting venous or arterial 'lines' in the neonate was essentially based on clinical skill and experience. The recent advent of portable ultrasound (US) machines with paediatric probes has resulted in the development of new approaches that, if correctly learned and used, should allow quicker and safer vascular access in this population. Both classic and new techniques are reviewed on the basis of literature and authors' experience.

Induction of life-threatening supraventricular tachycardia during central venous catheter placement: an unusual complication

Cardiac arrhythmias during central venous catheter (CVC) insertion are typically transient events with no hemodynamic repercussions. Pediatric reports on this condition are scarce and fail to describe potentially life-threatening complications.

CASE

A 14-day-old boy was admitted to the pediatric intensive care unit presenting with septic shock. During CVC insertion, the patient developed supraventricular tachycardia (SVT), which was unresponsive to vagal maneuvers or adenosine. Chest roentgenogram control revealed the tip of the catheter positioned in the midportion of the superior vena cava. After 30 minutes, the patient had a heart rate of 215 beats/min (bpm) and signs of hemodynamic compromise. The SVT eventually reverted to a sinus rhythm with synchronized cardioversion. The patient was discharged in good health.

CONCLUSION

Awareness of this potential complication of CVC insertion warrants a high level of concern by pediatric surgeons performing these procedures. Patients with sepsis and/or cardiac dysfunction who present SVT during catheter insertion can represent a therapeutic challenge for surgeons.

Influence of arm movement on central tip location of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs)

BACKGROUND

PICCs are increasingly employed in children. Some of their risks relate to the location of the central tip. Despite care when placing lines, they sometimes move.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the influence of arm movement on the central tip location of PICCs placed in children.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The central tip location of PICCs was studied in 85 children, with the arm placed in six positions. The variables of side, vein, site and arm position were examined to measure the direction and range of tip movement.

RESULTS

The side, site or vein used did not influence the range of movement of the central tip. Change in position of the arm had a significant influence on the central tip location, moving it an average of 2.2 rib spaces, a maximum of 3.5 ribs. Elbow bending and adduction of the arm caused the central tip to move deeper into the chest, compared to when the arm was straight and abducted 90 degrees .

CONCLUSION

Arm position is the significant variable influencing PICC movement. Side, site and vein do not influence the range of movement significantly. Most PICCs descend deeper into the chest with arm adduction and elbow bending.

Atrial flutter in a premature infant with a structurally normal heart

Isolated postnatal atrial flutter (AF) with a structurally normal heart is rare in the neonatal period. Central lines have their inherent risks and are frequently used in the management of growing premature newborns. Some new antimicrobial agents do have pro-arrhythmic effects, proven in adults but with limited data available for the newborn. We present a case of atrial flutter with 2:1 block in a 1-month-old premature baby with possible contribution from an intra-cardiac catheter and/or use of a broad spectrum antimicrobial.