A GAVeCeLT bundle for central venous catheterization in neonates and children: A prospective clinical study on 729 cases

Prospective case series study on the use of a novel analgosedation protocol for ultrasound-guided catheterization in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

Critically ill newborns admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit often require a centrally inserted central catheters (CICCs) inserted by ultrasound-guided puncture of the internal jugular or brachio-cephalic vein. Achieving an appropriate level of sedation and analgesia is paramount for procedure success and patient safety, avoiding the potential risks associated with excessive deep sedation. The aim of this study is to evaluate the feasibility of a novel protocol of sedation. Data from 46 patients were prospectively collected. The feasibility was assessed throughout the monitoring of adverse events and the incidence of spontaneous movements. The procedure was completed in 100% of cases. There were no cases of escalation of the baseline ventilatory support despite the procedure and no case of hypotension, and all spontaneous movements were controlled with additional boluses when required.

CONCLUSION

Our study represents the very first step towards the design of a validated protocol for analgosedation during ultrasound-guided CICC insertion in NICU.

WHAT IS KNOWN

• Critically ill newborns admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit often require a centrally inserted central catheter. • Achieving an appropriate level of sedation and analgesia is paramount for procedure success and patient safety, avoiding the potential risks associated with excessive deep sedation.

WHAT IS NEW

• The use of this new protocol for analgosedation is able to achieve a good level of sedation and pain control without significant adverse event. • Ultrasound-guided CICC insertion can be performed even in non-ventilated newborns.

The pediatric DAV-expert algorithm: A GAVeCeLT/GAVePed consensus for the choice of the most appropriate venous access device in children

In pediatric patients, the choice of the venous access device currently relies upon the operator's experience and preference and on the local availability of specific resources and technologies. Though, considering the limited options for venous access in children if compared to adults, such clinical choice has a great critical relevance and should preferably be based on the best available evidence. Though some algorithms have been published over the last 5 years, none of them seems fully satisfactory and useful in clinical practice. Thus, the GAVePed-which is the pediatric interest group of the most important Italian group on venous access, GAVeCeLT-has developed a national consensus about the choice of the venous access device in children. After a systematic review of the available evidence, the panel of the consensus (which included Italian experts with documented competence in this area) has provided structured recommendations answering 10 key questions regarding the choice of venous access both in emergency and in elective situations, both in the hospitalized and in the non-hospitalized child. Only statements reaching a complete agreement were included in the final recommendations. All recommendations were also structured as a simple visual algorithm, so as to be easily translated into clinical practice.

Comparison of outcomes from tunnelled femorally inserted central catheters and peripherally inserted central catheters: a propensity score-matched cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To compare catheter-related outcomes of individuals who received a tunnelled femorally inserted central catheter (tFICC) with those who received a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) in the upper extremities.

DESIGN

A propensity-score matched cohort study.

SETTING

A 980-bed tertiary referral hospital in South West Sydney, Australia.

PARTICIPANTS

In-patients referred to the hospital central venous access service for the insertion of a central venous access device.

PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES

The primary outcome of interest was the incidence of all-cause catheter failure. Secondary outcomes included the rates of catheters removed because of suspected or confirmed catheter-associated infection, catheter dwell and confirmed upper or lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

RESULTS

The overall rate of all-cause catheter failure in the matched tFICC and PICC cohort was 2.4/1000 catheter days (95% CI 1.1 to 4.4) and 3.0/1000 catheter days (95% CI 2.3 to 3.9), respectively, and when compared, no difference was observed (difference -0.63/1000 catheter days, 95% CI -2.32 to 1.06). We found no differences in catheter dwell (mean difference of 14.2 days, 95% CI -6.6 to 35.0, p=0.910); or in the cumulative probability of failure between the two groups within the first month of dwell (p=0.358). No significant differences were observed in the rate of catheters requiring removal for confirmed central line-associated bloodstream infection (difference 0.13/1000 catheter day, 95% CI -0.36 to 0.63, p=0.896). Similarly, no significant differences were found between the groups for confirmed catheter-related DVT (difference -0.11 per 1000 catheter days, 95% CI -0.26 to 0.04, p=1.00).

CONCLUSION

There were no differences in catheter-related outcomes between the matched cohort of tFICC and PICC patients, suggesting that tFICCs are a possible alternative for vascular access when the veins of the upper extremities or thoracic region are not viable for catheterisation.

Chest-to-arm tunneling technique for central venous access devices in neonates

BACKGROUND

Chest-to-arm (CTA) tunneling technique has been described recently as an alternative option to exit site of the catheter in the infraclavicular area.

METHOD

We report our experience with ultrasound-guided centrally inserted central catheters (CICCs) placed using CTA tunneling in six neonates. All central venous catheters were positioned with ultrasound guidance and real-time tip location.

RESULTS

There were no insertion-related complications; all devices were correctly positioned at the first attempt. During the follow-up, we found no catheter-related thrombosis, infections, or catheter malfunction. No tip position-related complications. Only one case of secondary malposition was reported.

CONCLUSION

In our experience, the CTA tunneling technique is reliable, safe, and feasible in the neonate even from the first hours of life, as well as for preterm newborns; it could be a valid alternative to the usual exit site.

Ultrasound versus intracavitary electrocardiography for intraprocedural tip location during central venous catheterization in infants and children: A prospective clinical study

BACKGROUND

Both intracavitary electrocardiography (IC-ECG) and ultrasound (US) have been proven to be safe and accurate for intraprocedural tip location during central venous catheterization, and both are known to be easily applicable and feasible in pediatric patients. Though, no prospective clinical study has directly compared the two methods as regards their applicability, feasibility, and procedural time.

METHODS

This study prospectively enrolled all children requiring a central venous access device in non-emergency situations, during a period of 1 year. All devices were inserted according to a well-defined insertion bundle including both IC-ECG and US-based tip location. The primary endpoint of the study was to compare the two methods in terms of applicability, feasibility and time required.

RESULTS

This study included 100 consecutive central venous catheterizations in children of age ranging from 1 month to 18 years. The applicability of IC-ECG based tip location was 98% and its feasibility 100%; the time required for IC-ECG was 1.9 ± 2 min. The applicability of US-based tip location was 96% and its feasibility was 100%; the maneuver required 2.2 ± 3 min.

CONCLUSIONS

US is an appropriate alternative method for intraprocedural tip location in children. The combined use of US and IC-ECG (both maneuvers being accurate, inexpensive, cost-effective, non-invasive, and equally fast to perform) should be recommended for tip location in pediatric patients, and it will avoid completely the use of fluoroscopy or of post-procedural x-ray.

The SIECC protocol: A novel insertion bundle to minimize the complications related to epicutaneo-cava catheters in neonates

Epicutaneo-cava catheters are the most widely used central venous catheters in the neonate, but their insertion and management are potentially associated with several complications, both during placement (failure to proceed with the catheter, primary malposition, etc.) and during maintenance (infection, venous thrombosis, catheter dislocation, secondary malposition, etc.). Recent studies have identified methods and techniques that may be effective in minimizing the risk of most of these complications. This paper proposes a structured, sequential insertion bundle-nicknamed "the SIECC protocol" (SIECC = Safe Insertion of Epicutaneo-Cava Catheters)-which includes seven evidence-based strategies which have been proven to increase the safety, effectiveness, and cost-effectiveness of the procedure.

Ultrasound-Guided Centrally Inserted Central Catheter (CICC) Placement in Newborns: A Safe Clinical Training Program in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit

BACKGROUND

Centrally inserted central catheters (CICCs) are increasingly used in neonatal care. CICCs have garnered attention and adoption owing to their advantageous features. Therefore, achieving clinical competence in ultrasound-guided CICC insertion in term and preterm infants is of paramount importance for neonatologists. A safe clinical training program should include theoretical teaching and clinical practice, simulation and supervised CICC insertions.

METHODS

We planned a training program for neonatologists for ultrasound-guided CICCs placement at our level III neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in Modena, Italy. In this single-centre prospective observational study, we present the preliminary results of a 12-month training period. Two paediatric anaesthesiologists participated as trainers, and a multidisciplinary team was established for continuing education, consisting of neonatologists, nurses, and anaesthesiologists. We detail the features of our training program and present the modalities of CICC placement in newborns.

RESULTS

The success rate of procedures was 100%. In 80.5% of cases, the insertion was obtained at the first ultrasound-guided venipuncture. No procedure-related complications occurred in neonates (median gestational age 36 weeks, IQR 26-40; median birth weight 1200 g, IQR 622-2930). Three of the six neonatologists (50%) who participated in the clinical training program have achieved good clinical competence. One of them has acquired the necessary skills to in turn supervise other colleagues.

CONCLUSIONS

Our ongoing clinical training program was safe and effective. Conducting the program within the NICU contributes to the implementation of medical and nursing skills of the entire staff.

A novel neonatal protocol for Safe Insertion of Umbilical Venous Catheters (SIUVeC): Minimizing complications in placement and management

Insertion of umbilical venous catheters is a common procedure in neonatal intensive care. Though sometimes lifesaving, this maneuver is potentially associated with early and late complications, some of which may be severe and even life threatening (catheter malposition, hepatic lesions, venous thrombosis, pericardial effusion, etc.). The recent literature suggests several operative strategies that, if adopted systematically, may significantly reduce the incidence of both early and late catheter related complications. This paper describes a standardized protocol (Safe Insertion Umbilical Venous Catheter = SIUVeC) which incorporates such novel strategies, with the goal of minimizing the complications related to this procedure.

Point-of-care ultrasound for vascular access in neonates and children

Ultrasound plays a major role in neonatal/pediatric vascular access, both for venous access and for arterial access, not only just for the insertion of intravascular catheters, but also for many other issues related to this type of maneuver. This "global use of ultrasound" includes a systematic and consistent adoption of this technology for several steps of vascular access: (a) the pre-procedural assessment/evaluation of the vessels, (b) the ultrasound-guided puncture and cannulation of arteries and veins, (c) the real-time diagnosis of immediate, puncture-related complications, (d) the so-called "tip navigation" (i.e., real-time intra-procedural assessment of the direction and trajectory of the guidewire and/or of the catheter inside the vasculature), (e) the so-called "tip location" (i.e., intra-procedural or post-procedural assessment of the proper position of the tip of the catheter), and (f) the early diagnosis and/or management of most non-infective late complications.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, any vascular access expert (nurse or physicians) should have documented competency in the use of ultrasound. This knowledge should include the use of ultrasound for assessment of vessels, for catheter insertion, for proper placement of the tip, and for real-time detection of complications.

WHAT IS KNOWN

• Ultrasound is obviously useful for vascular access procedures in neonates and children.

WHAT IS NEW

• Recent evidence suggests that ultrasound is useful for many purposes in the field of vascular access (preprocedural scan, ultrasound-guided puncture, tip navigation, tip location, diagnosis of most non-infective complications). • Recent evidence also suggests that radiological methods no longer play any role in the insertion of vascular accesses in neonates and children.

Placement of peripherally inserted central catheters in neonates: A retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are commonly used in neonatal intensive care units for extended intravenous nutrition and therapy. The selection of PICCs insertion sites can significantly influence insertion outcomes and neonatal safety.

AIM

This study aimed to determine the most suitable insertion site in the lower extremities for neonatal PICCs.

STUDY DESIGN

A retrospective case note review was conducted on PICCs inserted through lower extremity (LE) sites in a 40-bed tertiary-level neonatal intensive care unit at a university teaching hospital. The dates when data were accessed for research purposes were from June 2019 to June 2022. In total, 223 neonates were identified as having had PICCs, with 254 catheters inserted in the lower extremities. The STROBE checklist guided the reporting of this study.

RESULTS

Neonates underwent PICC insertion via the LE vein, with an overall complication rate of 13.4% and a one-attempt success rate of puncture of 86.2%. The rates of complications, catheter occlusion, and catheter-related infection in the PICC group with insertion through the great saphenous vein were significantly lower than those in the femoral vein group (p < .05). The success rate was significantly higher than that in the femoral vein group (p < .05). Additionally, the incidence of total complications and catheter occlusion complications with PICC insertion via the right LE was significantly lower than that with insertion via the left LE (p < .05).

CONCLUSION

Our study suggested that, when feasible, the saphenous vein in the right LE could be the most suitable insertion site for neonatal PICCs.

RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE

These findings provide insights into the complications, indwelling time, and safety of neonatal PICCs in different LE sites, serving as a valuable reference for clinical practice. This study was retrospective in nature, and all staff involved obtained approved access to patient clinical data. Ethical approval was granted by the Ethics Committee of Xiangya Hospital, Central South University (registry number 2022010001).

Cyanoacrylate glue as part of a new bundle to decrease neonatal PICC-related complications

A "bundle" is defined as a combination of evidence-based interventions that, if followed collectively and reliably, improve patient outcomes. The aim of this quasi-experimental study, conducted in a level-III NICU in Belgium, was to assess the impact of central line dressing and maintenance bundle implementation on the rate of catheter-related mechanical complications. We performed a quality improvement (QI) project. Prior to bundle implementation, neonatal PICC lines were secured by Steri-Strip® and occlusive dressing. We implemented a new PICC bundle consisting of the use of glue, sutureless device (Griplock®), and a transparent dressing to secure the catheter to the skin. We compared the rate of infections, mechanical complications, and dislocations before and after bundle implementation (periods 1 and 2, respectively). The use of glue resulted in a significantly decreased rate of central line-associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) (p < 0.001), dislocations, and mechanical complications (p < 0.0001). During period 2, there was a significant increase for the average number of days the catheter stayed in place (p < 0.05). We did not observe catheter breakage or patient skin irritations attributable to the use of glue (not even in ELBW infants).

CONCLUSION

The implementation of the new bundle to secure neonatal PICCs in our NICU was associated with a significant reduction in CLABSI and dislodgment rates, without glue-related complications. Active surveillance of CVC placement procedure, positioning, and management, as well as analysis of related complications is crucial for improving patient safety. Continuous implementation of up-to-date central line bundles based on best practice recommendations is a key for quality improvement in NICUs.

WHAT IS KNOWN

• Stable vascular access is crucial in the NICU. Neonatal PICC securement issues can have serious consequences and are associated with device failure.

WHAT IS NEW

• Catheter securement with tissue adhesive is safe and effective in reducing failure and complication rates in the neonatal population.

Femoral venous access: State of the art and future perspectives

In the past 5 years, non-dialysis femoral venous access has changed in terms of indications, techniques of insertion, and expected incidence of complications. To the traditional non-emergency indication for femoral catheters-obstruction of the superior vena cava-many other indications have been added, both in intensive and non-intensive care. The insertion technique has evolved, thanks to ultrasound guided venipuncture, tunneling, and ultrasound based intraprocedural tip location. Insertion of femorally inserted central catheters may be today regarded as a procedure with an extremely low intraprocedural and post-procedural risk. The risk of infection is reduced by the possibility of the exit site at mid-thigh, by the use of cyanoacrylate glue for sealing the exit site, and by appropriate intraprocedural strategies of infection prevention. The risk of catheter-related thrombosis is low, due to several concomitant strategies: a proper match between vein diameter and catheter caliber; an accurate intraprocedural assessment of tip location by ultrasound and/or intracavitary ECG; the consistent use of ultrasound guided venipuncture and micro-introducer kits; an adequate stabilization of the catheter at the exit site. The risk of mechanical complications and the risk of lumen occlusion are minimized when using polyurethane, power injectable catheters. All these novelties have brought a revolution in the field of femoral venous access, so that this route may be considered as safe and effective as other approaches to central venous catheterization.

The neonatal DAV-expert algorithm: a GAVeCeLT/GAVePed consensus for the choice of the most appropriate venous access in newborns

In most NICUs, the choice of the venous access device currently relies upon the operator's experience and preferences. However, considering the high failure rate of vascular devices in the neonatal population, such clinical choice has a critical relevance and should preferably be based on the best available evidence. Though some algorithms have been published over the last 5 years, none of them seems in line with the current scientific evidence. Thus, the GAVePed-which is the pediatric interest group of the most important Italian group on venous access, GAVeCeLT-has developed a national consensus about the choice of the venous access device in the neonatal population. After a systematic review of the available evidence, the panel of the consensus (which included Italian neonatologists specifically experts in this area) has provided structured recommendations answering four sets of questions regarding (1) umbilical venous catheters, (2) peripheral cannulas, (3) epicutaneo-cava catheters, and (4) ultrasound-guided centrally and femorally inserted central catheters. Only statements reaching a complete agreement were included in the final recommendations. All recommendations were also structured as a simple visual algorithm, so as to be easily translated into clinical practice.  Conclusion: The goal of the present consensus is to offer a systematic set of recommendations on the choice of the most appropriate vascular access device in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit.

Use of the Dialkylcarbamoylchloride Dressing in the Care of Central Venous Access Exit Site in a Pediatric and Neonatal Population

Dialkylcarbamoylchloride dressing is a fatty acid derivative that has been shown in vitro to bind a number of pathogenic microorganisms. The purpose of this prospective study was to evaluate the safety and the efficacy of this technology in the care of the exit site of central venous catheter in a paediatric and neonatal population.

METHODS

The study was conducted from September 2020 to December 2022 at the Infermi Hospital in Rimini. Central venous catheters were placed using the SIC bundle for insertion. Dialkylcarbamoylchloride dressing was placed below the subcutaneous anchoring at the time of CVC placement and at each dressing change. Data about the catheters and the exit site were recorded and then compared with an historical cohort.

RESULTS

118 catheters were placed during the studied period. The dialkylcarbamoylchloride dressing was well-tolerated. No case of systemic or local infection was recorded. The comparison with the historical cohort showed a reduction in the rate of exit site infection (p value 0.03).

CONCLUSION

Dialkylcarbamoylchloride dressing is well-tolerated in paediatric and neonatal population. It represents a promising tool as a strategy for infection prevention.

Epidemiological Analysis of the Emergency Vascular Access in Pediatric Trauma Patients: Single-Center Experience of Intravenous, Intraosseous, Central Venous, and Arterial Line Placements

Vascular access in severely injured pediatric trauma patients is associated with time-critical circumstances and low incidences, whereas only scarce literature on procedure performance is available. The purpose of this study was to analyze the performance of different vascular access procedures from the first contact at the scene until three hours after admission. Intubated pediatric trauma patients admitted from the scene to a single Level I trauma center between 2008 and 2019 were analyzed regarding intravenous (IV) and intraosseous (IO) accesses, central venous catheterization (CVC) and arterial line placement. Sixty-five children with a median age of 14 years and median injury severity score of 29 points were included, of which 62 (96.6%) underwent successful prehospital IV or IO access by emergency medical service (EMS) physicians, while it failed in two children (3.1%). On emergency department (ED) admission, IV cannulas of prehospital EMS had malfunctions or were dislodged in seven of 55 children (12.7%). IO access was performed in 17 children without complications, and was associated with younger age, higher injury severity and higher mortality. Fifty-two CVC placements (58 attempts) and 55 arterial line placements (59 attempts) were performed in 45 and 52 children, respectively. All CVC and arterial line placements were performed in the ED, operating room (OR) and intensive care unit (ICU). Ten mechanical complications related to CVC placement (17.8%) and seven related to arterial line placement (10.2%) were observed, none of which had outcome-relevant consequences. This case series suggests that mechanical issues of vascular access may frequently occur, underlining the need for special preparedness in prehospital, ED, ICU and OR environments.

Caliber of the deep veins of the arm in infants and neonates: The VEEIN study (Vascular Echography Evaluation in Infants and Neonates)

PURPOSE

Ultrasound-guided peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are increasingly used in children, though their insertion may be limited by the small caliber of the deep veins of the arm. Previous studies have suggested to use age or weight as a guide to the feasibility of PICC insertion. We have planned an observational study with the purpose of identifying the actual feasibility of PICC insertion based on the ultrasound evaluation of the deep veins of the arm in groups of children of different weight range.

METHODS

We have studied 252 children weighing between 2.5 and 20 kg, divided in five different groups (group 1: 2.5-4 kg; group 2: 4.1-7 kg; group 3: 7.1-10 kg; group 4: 10.1-15 kg; group 5: 15.1-20 kg): the caliber of brachial vein, basilic vein, and cephalic vein at mid-upper arm + the caliber of the axillary vein at the axilla were measured by ultrasound scan.

RESULTS

Veins of caliber >3 mm (appropriate for insertion of a 3 Fr non-tunneled PICC) were found at mid-upper arm in no child of group 1 or 2, in 13% of group 3, in 28% of group 4, and in 54% of group 5. An axillary vein >3 mm (appropriate for insertion of a 3 Fr tunneled PICC) were found in 5.8% of group 1, 30.6% of group 2, 67% of group 3, 82% of group 4, and 94% of group 5.

CONCLUSIONS

The age and the weight of the child have a small role in predicting the caliber of the veins of the arm. Veins should be measured case by case through a proper and systematic ultrasound evaluation; however, the clinician can expect that insertion of a 3 Fr PICC may be feasible in one third of children weighing between 4 and 7 kg, and in most children weighing more than 7 kg, especially if adopting the tunneling technique.

Combination of ketamine and fentanyl (KetaFent) for safe insertion of ultrasound-guided central venous catheters in infants

Centrally inserted central catheters (CICCs) are placed by ultrasound guided puncture of the internal jugular or brachio-cephalic vein. It is crucial to achieve a good level of sedation and analgesia in order to keep the babies still thus reducing the risk of procedural failure. The aim of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of the combination of ketamine and fentanyl during the CICC placement procedure. We retrospectively collected data from 72 infants who underwent CICC insertion after sedation with KetaFent protocol. The primary outcome was to assess the success of the procedure defined as CICC placement. Secondary outcome was intubation during the procedure in non-ventilated infants (noninvasive ventilation or spontaneous respiration), need for repeat doses of study medications to complete the procedure, time to complete the procedure, the level of analgesia assessed using vital parameters. The procedure was completed in 100% of cases. There were no cases of hypotension during and at the end of the procedure. No intubation was performed on non-ventilated infants. The combination of ketamine and fentanyl for sedation and analgesia in infants requiring insertion of a CICC is 100% successful. It is associated with a low risk of side effect like apnea and intubation. Insertion of a central venous catheter is a painful procedure for infants. Adequate sedation is mandatory to keep the baby still thus reducing the risk of procedural failure.