Insertion of Hickman central venous catheters by using angiographic techniques in patients with hematologic disorders

Complication Rate of Venous Access Procedures Performed by a Radiology Practitioner Assistant Compared with Interventional Radiology Physicians and Supervised Trainees

PURPOSE

To compare venous access complication rates associated with procedures performed by radiology practitioner assistants (RPAs) versus interventional radiology (IR) faculty members, IR fellows, and radiology residents.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A retrospective review of venous access procedures in the IR department for 12 consecutive months at a single university hospital was performed. Procedural primary operators included 12 radiology residents, two IR fellows, four IR faculty members, and one board-certified RPA with 2 years of university training. Data examined included immediate and short-term complications separated into major and overall categories.

RESULTS

A total of 2093 venous access procedures were performed. The RPA performed 670 procedures (temporary central venous catheter placement, n = 274; peripherally inserted central catheter, n = 67; venous access catheter change, n = 99; venous port placement, n = 126; tunneled central venous catheter placement, n = 39; catheter check, n = 32; and venous explant, n = 43). Similar procedure ratios were noted with faculty members, fellows, and residents. Procedures by the RPA had a major complication rate of 0.29% and an overall complication rate of 0.89%. Four IR faculty members performed 291 procedures, with no major complications and an overall complication rate of 1.71%. Two IR fellows performed 562 procedures, with a major complication rate of 0.35% and an overall complication rate of 1.06%. Twelve residents performed 570 procedures, with a major complication rate of 0.52% (range, 0%-2.46%) and an overall complication rate of 1.39% (range, 0%-3.70%). No significant difference was found among groups (P = .7).

CONCLUSION

A properly trained and monitored RPA can safely perform selected venous access procedures with complication rates equal to those of IR faculty members, fellows, and residents.

Safe techniques for inserting the hickman catheter in pediatric patients

The placement of the Hickman catheter in the central veins is thought to be an effective method for providing venous access in various clinical situations in children. The catheter is usually inserted by the percutaneous approach, but in some cases various troublesome complications can occur, such as sheath introducer kinking or damage, in addition to other major ones. Therefore, some modified techniques, using vascular dilators, both to dilate the route and to avoid such complications, have been developed and investigated to obtain a smooth and safe percutaneous insertion of the Hickman catheter in children. A total of 41 Hickman catheters were inserted by the percutaneous method in 41 pediatric patients from 1996 to 2004 in our department. Sixteen catheters were inserted by means of a standard method, using the manufacturer's insertion kit, and 25 catheters were inserted by means of a modified method, namely, using various sized vascular dilators. The length of time for the procedure, the complication rate, and the changes in the serum C-reactive reaction (CRP) levels were then compared between the standard and the modified methods. Those parameters were also compared between a right-side and left-side approach using both methods, to clarify which side was better for the insertion of this catheter. The length of time for the catheter replacement procedure in the standard group was significantly longer than that in modified one. The occurrence rate for both the kinking and small damage to the sheath introducer in the standard group was higher than that in the modified one. The peak of serum CRP in the modified group was significantly lower than that in the standard one. When comparing a right-side and left-side approach, 7 catheters out of 16 were inserted by the right-side approach in the standard group, while 10 catheters out of 25 were done by the right-side approach in the modified group. The length of time for the procedure for the left-side approach was significantly shorter than that for the right-side one in both groups. No difference in technical complications was observed between the two different approaches in the modified group, while complications when using the right-side approach often occurred in the standard group. The peak of serum CRP in the left-side approach was lower than that in the right-side one in both groups. The use of the modified percutaneous method, using various sized vascular dilators and the left-side approach, was therefore found to be useful for the safe and smooth placement of the Hickman catheter in children.

An audit of ultrasound-assisted catheter insertion in patients receiving chemotherapy

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Hickman catheters have been shown to provide safe long-term venous access for patients with malignant diseases. In many centres, catheters are placed using fluoroscopic guidance. We hypothesised that ultrasound-assisted catheter placement by surgeons in the operating theatre would be a simple, safe and effective alternative technique with reduced infective complication rates.

METHODS

Hickman catheter insertions between May 1998 and March 2002 were studied. The data were collected from the Hospital Inpatient Enquiry database and the case notes of all patients were reviewed. Percutaneous catheter placement with tunnelling was performed in the operating theatre after scanning the internal jugular vein (IJV) for position, size and patency, using a Pie 100LC Scanner (Pie Medical, Maastricht). A standard chest radiograph confirmed catheter position at the end of the procedure.

RESULTS

Fifty-eight patients (30 males and 28 females) had 65 Hickman catheters inserted. The median age was 60 years (range 32-82 years). Catheter placement was achieved in all patients, 59 in the right IJV and six in the left. Ultrasound scanning demonstrated that the right IJV was thrombosed in six patients (10%), thus avoiding unnecessary attempts at cannulation. The Hickman catheters remained in situ for a combined total of 5857 days (median, 89 days, range 4-485 days). Immediate complications occurred in two patients (pneumothorax in both). One patient required a chest drain. The overall sepsis rate was 3.92 per 1000 catheter days. Systemic sepsis was slightly higher (2.21 per 1000 catheter days) than superficial sepsis (1.71 per 1000 catheter days). In all the patients who developed systemic sepsis the catheter had to be removed (n = 13). All the superficial infections were treated successfully with antibiotics (n = 10 patients). Two catheters developed thrombosis.

CONCLUSION

We conclude that ultrasound-assisted percutaneous placement of Hickman catheters in the operating suite is a simple, safe and effective technique and may help to reduce infective complications.

Comparison of complications between transjugular and axillosubclavian approach for placement of tunneled, central venous catheters in patients with hematological malignancy: a prospective study

This study was designed to compare the incidence of mechanical, thrombotic and infective complications in transjugular (IJV) and axillosubclavian (SCV) central venous catheters (CVC) in patients with hematological malignancy. In a prospective observational trial, 131 consecutive patients were classified into two groups: Group A included those with IJV catheter insertions under sonography guidance (n=61) and group B included those with SCV insertions under venography guidance (n=70). After catheter placement, patients were prospectively acquired and recorded to obtain the following data: success rates, total catheter days, and complication episodes per 100 catheter days. All procedures were technically successful. Total catheter days were 7800 (group A) versus 8391(group B). Mechanical complications were observed in three cases from group A and 11 from group B, with an incidence rate of 0.04 per 100 catheter days versus 0.13 (P=0.043), respectively. Two symptomatic thrombotic complications were observed in group B. The number of infective complications was not significantly different between the two groups (P=0.312). There was no difference in infective complication incidence between the two groups. To minimize catheter-related mechanical and thrombotic complications, however, the IJV approach is superior to the SCV approach.

Central venous catheter pinch-off and fracture: recognition, prevention and management

The so-called pinch-off syndrome is observed in up to 1% of all central venous catheters (CVCs), and is a valuable warning prior to fragmentation, which occurs in approximately 40% of the respective cases. As long-term indwelling CVCs are used with increasing frequency, this paper describes the necessity of pinch-off monitoring following the experiences of a case study and a review of the current literature on this specific topic in order to point out preventive practice guidelines. Besides easy preventive practices such as a high level of suspicion and adequate X-ray controls, findings give strong evidence that the most important specific factor might be the adequate approach. In our hands, the supraclavicular technique has provided the best results with regards to percutaneous introduction of large bore CVCs.

Comparison of technical success and outcome of tunneled catheters inserted via the jugular and subclavian approaches

PURPOSE

To compare the technical success and immediate and long-term outcomes of tunneled central venous catheters placed in comparative cohorts via the subclavian vein (SCV) and the internal jugular vein (IJV) routes.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This was a prospective observational single-center study of consecutive procedures. Between November 1993 and June 1995, 99 catheters were placed via the SCV and between December 1997 and July 1998, 109 catheters were placed via the IJV. Procedural data were recorded in both cohorts by completion of a proforma by the primary operator.

RESULTS

Follow-up data were available in 96% of the SCV and 87% of the IJV cohorts. The average procedure time was significantly shorter in the IJV group and technical success was 100% versus 97% in the SCV group, but this did not reach statistical significance. The procedure-related pneumothorax rate and the rate of symptomatic venous thrombosis were significantly lower in the IJV cohort (P = .023, P = .015). Fewer catheters were removed prematurely due to sepsis in the IJV group (P = .043).

CONCLUSIONS

The IJV route is associated with comparable technical success, and lower major procedural complication and venous thrombosis rates, with fewer catheters removed prematurely. The right IJV approach with ultrasound guidance is recommended as the route of choice for the placement of tunneled central venous catheters.

Complications of percutaneous insertion of Hickman catheters in children

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE

The aim of this study was a retrospective evaluation of insertion and management complications of percutaneous Hickman catheter lines in pediatric patients to investigate whether the complication rate is acceptable in comparison with other insertion methods or other age groups.

METHODS

Over a period of 22 months a total of 27 Hickman catheters were inserted in 22 pediatric patients (20 oncological, 2 nononcological; age 6 weeks to 17.5 years).

RESULTS

Twenty-three of 36 insertion attempts (63.9%) were successful at first attempt. In another 4 patients, catheters were placed after repeated attempts. In an additional 4 patients, catheters were inserted by surgeons after percutaneous insertion failed. As immediate complications, 1 pneumothorax and 1 malposition were seen. Late complications included 1 to 29 (median, 8) days of fever in 15 patients, corresponding to 53 of 1,000 catheter days. Fourteen patients showed 21 positive blood cultures, including 11 cases of Staphylococcus epidermides, which might be related to the catheter. Antibiotics were given for a total of 1 to 130 (median, 35) days, that is 205 of 1,000 catheter days. No catheter was removed because of infectious complications. The total life span of the Hickman catheters was 1 to 371 (median, 163) days, the patients were in the hospital from 1 to 351 (median, 102) days because of their underlying disease. At the end of the study period, 8 of 27 (29.6%) catheters remained functioning in situ; 9 (33.3%) had been selectively removed. Two patients died with the catheter (7.4%) functioning well. Another 2 patients showed catheter thrombosis. Six catheters (22.2%) in 5 patients showed inadvertent dislodgement.

CONCLUSION

Percutaneous Hickman catheter insertion in pediatric patients is effective; however, complication rate is relevant, but not higher than percutaneous insertion of subclavian vein or Hickman catheters in adults.

Hickman catheter-related infections in neutropenic patients: insertion in the operating theater versus insertion in the radiology suite

PURPOSE

To determine the influence of microbial air quality during Hickman catheter insertion in the operating theater versus insertion in the radiology suite on the incidence of catheter-related infections (CRIs).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Hemato-oncologic patients with prolonged neutropenia on antimicrobial prophylaxis were entered onto the study. Catheters were inserted by experienced radiologists under sonographic and fluoroscopic guidance.

RESULTS

Forty-eight Hickman catheters in 39 patients were inserted (23 in the operating theater, 25 in the radiology suite). CRIs were seen in 16 catheters (33%; six per 1,000 catheter days; eight in each group). Local infections were found in nine catheters (22%; six in the operating theater v three in the radiology suite; not significant [NS]), catheter-related bacteremia was found in 10 (29%; three in the operating theater v seven in the radiology suite; NS). Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CoNS) caused all CRIs. Despite early vancomycin therapy, 11 (69%; four in the operating room group v seven in the radiology suite group; NS) of the catheters with CRIs had to be removed prematurely. At 90 days after insertion, catheter survival was 78% and 60% (NS) for the operating room and radiology suite, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that neutropenia increased the CRI risk 20-fold (P =.004) and was strongly related to premature catheter removal owing to infection (relative risk = 11.9; P =.009). Neutropenia on the day of insertion was also significantly correlated with CRI (P =.04) and premature catheter removal owing to infection (P =.03). Serial cultures of blood, exit site, and catheter hub did not predict the development of CRI.

CONCLUSION

The high incidence of Hickman CRI caused by CoNS was not associated with insertion location (operating theater v radiology suite). Neutropenia, including neutropenia on the day of insertion, was a significant risk factor for CRI and infection-related catheter removal.

Supraclavicular approach to the subclavian/innominate vein for large-bore central venous catheters

Infraclavicular and internal jugular catheterization are commonly used techniques for hemodialysis access, but may at times be impeded in patients whose anatomy makes cannulation difficult. In an effort to enlarge the spectrum of alternative access sites, we evaluated the supraclavicular approach for large-bore catheters. During an 18-month period we prospectively collected data on success rate and major and minor complications of the supraclavicular access for conventional dialysis catheters as well as Dacron-cuffed tunneled devices in 175 adult patients admitted for various extracorporeal therapies and bone marrow transplantation. Two hundred eight large-bore catheters (99 conventional dialysis catheters, 63 semirigid tunneled Dacron-cuffed catheters, and 46 Hickman catheters) were successfully placed in 164 patients (success rate, 93.8%), 58 (33.1%) of whom had been previously catheterized. Complications included pneumothorax (one patient), arterial puncture (seven patients), and puncture of the thoracic duct (two patients) without sequelae. Postinsertional chest radiographs demonstrated impressive coaxial lie of most catheters. Catheter malpositions occurred only sporadically (1%). Difficulty of introducing the catheter via a placed sheath was rarely observed. There was no clinically significant evidence of catheter-induced venous thrombosis or stenosis. We conclude that the supraclavicular route is an easy and safe first approach for large-bore catheters, as well as a useful alternative to traditional puncture sites for precatheterized and anatomically problematic patients.

Replacement of accidentally removed tunneled venous catheters through existing subcutaneous tracts

PURPOSE

The authors describe their experience with reinsertion of accidentally removed tunneled venous catheters using existing subcutaneous tracts.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Replacement of 13 dislodged tunneled venous catheters was attempted a median of 12 hours (range, 3 hours to 5 days) after accidental removal. The catheters were needed for hemodialysis (n = 11), plasmapheresis (n = 1), or antibiotic therapy (n = 1). The tunnel exit was probed in the same fashion as for a dislodged nephrostomy tube, and new catheters were reinserted once a guide wire was advanced into the central veins. The medical record was reviewed to determine materials used and occurrence of complications, if any.

RESULTS

Replacement was successful in 12 of 13 patients. The remaining patient had a new catheter placed through a fresh puncture during the same visit. There were no infections associated with re-use of existing tunnels. In five patients, after probing the tract with a guide wire, new catheters were simply advanced into the desired position. Seven other successes required additional manipulations with use of dilators and peel-away sheaths.

CONCLUSIONS

Tunneled catheters that "fall out" can be readily replace even when reinsertion is attempted up to 5 days later. This represents an important contribution that radiologists can offer in the management of venous access cases.

Percutaneous nonangiographic insertion of Hickman catheters in marrow transplant recipients by anesthesiologists and intensivists

Long-term central venous lines for chronic hemoaccess are usually inserted in the operating theater under local or general anesthesia or in interventional radiology suites using fluoroscopic technique. In a prospective study we determined the feasibility of percutaneous insertion of Hickman catheters without fluoroscopic control by anesthesiologists and intensivists in the setting of an intensive care unit. Fifty-four Hickman catheters were placed in 53 consecutive patients with hematological disorders and/or neoplastic diseases undergoing allogeneic or autologous bone marrow transplantation (BMT) or buffy coat therapy. There were no major complications. The mean time for insertion was 35 min. The median life span of catheters was 70 days (range 3-214). Twenty-six catheters were electively removed; six remained functioning in situ at the end of the study. For 3333 catheter days (1471 days in hospital and 1862 days at domiciliary care), six catheters were removed because of mechanical complications (inadvertent dislodgement, leak, secondary migration) and 14 because of suspected or documented infection. We conclude that percutaneous nonangiographic insertion of Hickman catheters by anesthesiologists minimizes technical expenditure and is at least as effective as surgical or radiological techniques. The rate of clinically important complications is acceptable.

A comparative analysis of radiological and surgical placement of central venous catheters

PURPOSE

To compare the differences in practice and outcome of all radiologically and surgically placed central venous catheters retrospectively over a 2-year period simultaneously, at a single institution.

METHODS

A total of 253 Hickman catheters were inserted in 209 patients; 120 were placed radiologically in 102 patients and 133 were placed surgically in 107 patients. The indication was chemotherapy in 76% of radiological and in 47% of surgical cases; the remainder were for total parenteral nutrition and venous access.

RESULTS

There were 6 (4.5%) primary surgical failures and a further 17 (13%) surgical cases requiring multiple placement attempts. Pneumothorax occurred once (0.8%) surgically and four times (3.3%) radiologically. There were no radiological primary misplacements but there were five (3.7%) surgical ones. Catheter or central vein thrombosis occurred in four (3.3%) radiological and five (3.7%) surgical cases. The rate of infection per 1000 catheter-days was 1.9 in radiologically placed catheters and 4.0 in surgically placed ones (p < 0.001). Average catheter life-span was similar for the two placement methods (100 +/- 23 days).

CONCLUSION

Radiological placement is consistently more reliable than surgical placement. There are fewer placement complications and fewer catheter infections overall.

Short communication: tunnelled central venous catheter insertion via the internal jugular vein using a dedicated portable ultrasound device

We describe the use of a purpose-built portable ultrasound device to assist puncture of the internal jugular vein during percutaneous insertion of tunnelled central venous catheters such as Hickman lines. In many situations the internal jugular route is safer, faster and less costly in comparison with the subclavian approach. The use of ultrasound allows an accurate initial venous puncture with fewer complications, in the hands of both experienced operators and those less familiar with the internal jugular vein approach.

Hickman catheters: left-sided insertion, male gender, and obesity are associated with an increased risk of complications

BACKGROUND

Semipermanent tunnelled silicone rubber Hickman catheters are widely used to provide durable central venous access for patients with cancer or haematological disease.

AIMS

To document the frequency and severity of Hickman catheter related adverse events and to identify predisposing factors.

METHODS

A retrospective review was undertaken of 153 sequential Hickman catheters inserted into patients receiving treatment for cancer or haematological disease. All Hickman catheters were inserted percutaneously in a radiology department under local anaesthesia and fluoroscopic control. The exact position of the catheter tip was determined by reviewing post-insertion radiographs.

RESULTS

The median duration of catheter use was 55 days (range one-650). Complications led to the removal of 32% of catheters. Exit site infection complicated 22% of catheters, septicaemia 7%, migration or dislodgment 7%, and venous thrombosis 8%. Complications were more common in male patients (exit site infection and catheter loss), in patients with acute leukaemia (septicaemia) and in obese patients (catheter migration). Left sided catheters caused more venous thrombosis and were more likely to malfunction or block. Left sided catheters required removal more frequently than right sided catheters. Termination of the Hickman catheter within the high superior vena cava (SVC) resulted in loss of function earlier when compared to termination with the low SVC or right atrium (RA).

CONCLUSIONS

Right-sided Hickman catheters terminating in the low SVC/RA offer the best chance of durable function. The use of subcutaneously tunnelled catheters in obese patients poses unique problems with catheter migration. Vigilance in the placement and care of Hickman catheters remains essential.

The first rib as a fluoroscopic marker for subclavian vein access

PURPOSE

To determine whether the anatomic relationship between the subclavian vein (SCV) and the first rib is sufficiently constant to allow safe and reproducible fluoroscopically guided SCV puncture.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-four subclavian venograms were obtained from 42 consecutive adult patients. Position and width of the SCV crossing over the first rib were recorded by using radial coordinates. Based on this anatomic study, 42 SCV access procedures were performed with use of the first rib as a fluoroscopic marker. Technical success, complications, number of 21-gauge needle passes, physician experience, and patients' body habitus were recorded.

RESULTS

Mean angular position of SCV/first rib crossover was 94.7 degrees (standard deviation [SD], 7.42 degrees). Mean radial width of the SCV was 14.9 degrees (SD, 3.1 degrees). On 25 of the 44 subclavian venograms (60%), the SCV/first rib crossover lay within the 90 degrees-99 degrees segment, and on 36 of 44 (82%) it lay within the 85 degrees-104 degrees segment. Technical success in accessing the SCV was 100% (42 of 42 procedures). Two minor complications involved subclavian artery puncture with the 21-gauge needle without sequelae. The mean number of needle passes required was 2.86 (median, 1.7). There was no correlation between needle passes and patients' body habitus or physician experience.

CONCLUSION

The SCV is reliably constant in its relation to the first rib. The first rib alone provides a reliable fluoroscopic marker for safe SCV access without the need for ultrasound guidance or peripheral contrast material administration.

Radiologic placement of long-term central venous peripheral access system ports (PAS Port): results in 150 patients

PURPOSE

The author reports experience with 150 peripheral access system ports (PAS Ports) placed in an interventional radiology suite. Complication rates from this series are compared with those of surgically placed tunneled catheters. The average cost of placement is compared with that of a surgically placed chest port.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Findings were retrospectively reviewed in 150 patients in whom the PAS Port catheter was implanted. The age range was 26-84 years (mean, 46 years). The diagnoses in these patients included cancer (n = 68), acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (n = 52), osteomyelitis (n = 21), and abscess (n = 9). Implantation with use of fluoroscopic guidance and "Cath-finder" technology is described.

RESULTS

One hundred fifty ports have been indwelling for a total of 24,151 patient days (range, 40-220 days; mean duration, 161 days). Sepsis occurred in 3.3%, local infection in 5% (early infection 1%, late infection 4%), temporary catheter occlusion in 3.3%, postinsertion phlebitis in 7.3%, and venous thrombosis in 2%. The cost of radiologic PAS Port insertion averaged $1,488 versus $3,720 for surgical chest port insertion.

CONCLUSION

PAS Port central venous catheter placement by an interventional radiologist in this series is safe and cost effective and compares very favorably with surgery. Radiologists will likely see increasing requests by referring physicians for radiologically placed catheters and ports in this era of cost containment.

Risk factors for pneumothorax during percutaneous Hickman line insertion in patients with solid and haematological tumours

The purpose of this study was to identify risk factors for pneumothorax during percutaneous subclavian Hickman line insertion in patients with haematological (HT) or solid tumours (ST). One hundred and twelve patients (55 HT, 57 ST) had 132 subclavian Hickman lines inserted under fluoroscopic control. Lines were inserted on the left on 116 occasions and the right in 16. Thirty-five single, 29 double and 68 triple lumen catheters were inserted. Variables included in the analysis were age, sex, side of insertion, catheter gauge and nutritional status as indicated by the body mass index (BMI kg/m2). Both univariate and logistic regression analyses were performed. There were ten pneumothoraces, all occurring in patients with STs. Univariate analysis revealed that patients with STs were older (median age 59 versus 36 years; P = 0.0001) and more cachectic (median BMI 21.9 versus 24.2 kg/m2; P = 0.03) than those with HTs, and the patients experiencing pneumothorax were older (median age 57 versus 44 years; P < 0.01) and more cachectic (median BMI 19.6 versus 24.0 kg/m2; P = 0.004) than those undergoing uncomplicated procedures. For patients with a BMI < 19 kg/m2 versus those with a BMI > 19 kg/m2, the pneumothorax rate was 5/8 versus 5/124 (P < 0.00001). Logistic regression analysis confirmed the significantly older age of the patients with STs (P < 0.001) and of those experiencing pneumothorax (P = 0.02). This analysis also confirmed the lower BMI of patients experiencing pneumothorax (P = 0.002). The patients' sex, the side of line insertion and the catheter gauge were not associated with pneumothorax on either the univariate or logistic regression analyses. From these data we conclude that pneumothorax complicating a subclavian Hickman line is significantly more likely in elderly patients with a low BMI. Such patients are more likely to have STs than HTs. In patients with a BMI < 19 kg/m2, the subclavian route should be used with caution.

Technical report: Hickman catheter rescue

Nineteen malfunctioning or incorrectly positioned Hickman catheters from a series of 320 catheter placements were referred to the radiology department for salvage. Successful catheter 'rescue' was achieved on 14 occasions (73.6%). Eight catheters were repositioned, five were replaced and thrombolysis was successful in a patient with subclavian vein thrombosis. Catheter repositioning techniques are reviewed and a new technique for catheter replacement using the existing venous access and subcutaneous tunnel is described.

An audit of Hickman catheter use in patients with solid tumours

The purpose of this study was to analyse the use and relative complication rates of Hickman lines inserted by angiographic and surgical routes in patients with solid tumours. Sixty-one patients (median age 55 years; range 21-81) with solid tumours had 71 Hickman catheters inserted. Fifty-three patients had 58 catheters inserted angiographically and eight patients had 13 catheters inserted surgically. Indications were as follows: for administration of infusional chemotherapy (48 patients), poor venous access (nine patients), needle phobia (four patients). The catheters remained in situ for 7981 days (median 105; range 10-750). Immediate complications occurred only in angiographically placed catheters (ten pneumothoraces, one tachydysrhythmia). Pneumothorax was associated with poor nutritional status but not with age, side of insertion or catheter gauge. The median body mass indices (BMIs) were 19.65 kg/m2 and 22.8 kg/m2 in those with and without pneumothorax respectively (P = 0.0045). Five of six patients with BMI < 19 kg/m2 developed a pneumothorax, compared with five of 52 with BMI > 19 kg/m2 (P = 0.0003). The overall sepsis rate was 2.38 per 1000 catheter days. Systemic sepsis was significantly increased for surgically inserted lines (3.94 versus 0.60 per 1000 catheter days; P = 0.001), although there was no significant difference in superficial sepsis (2.36 versus 1.04 per 1000 catheter days; P = 0.22). We conclude that Hickman catheters provide safe, long-term venous access in patients with solid tumours. Angiographic insertion carries a greater risk of acute complications in patients of poor nutritional status but a significantly lower risk of late systemic infective complications.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)

Venous access in pediatric oncology patients

Long-term central venous access is an integral part of the management of many, but not all children with cancer. The proper selection of those children who require this access and which access device (external vs. totally implanted) is best suited to that child is important to minimize complications and obtain optimal results. Although most of these devices can be expected to last the duration of the treatment protocol or the patient's life, complications (infection, occlusion, dislodgment) occur with higher than desired frequency, infection being the most common. No measures are clearly beneficial in preventing infection, but most infections can be treated successfully without device removal. Premature removal or dislodgement occurs more frequently with external catheters and may be minimized by techniques used at insertion. Occlusion, detected early, can be successfully managed by clot lysis in most children.