Discomfort related to Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters in Cancer Patient

Development of a Subpath Extrusion Tip and Die for Peripheral Inserted Central Catheter Shaft with Multi Lumen

The tip and die for manufacturing multi-lumen catheter tubes should be designed considering the flow velocity of the molten polymer and the deformation of the final extruded tube. In this study, to manufacture non-circular double-lumen tubes for peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs), three types of tip and die structures are proposed. The velocity field and swelling effect when the circular tip and die (CTD) are applied, which is the commonly used tip and die structure, are analyzed through numerical calculation. To resolve the wall and rib thickness and ovality issues, the ellipse tip and die (ETD) and sub-path tip and die (STD) were proposed. In addition, based on the results of numerical analysis, the tip and die structures were manufactured and used to perform extrusion. Finally, we manufactured tubes that satisfied the target diameter, ovality, wall, and rib thickness using the newly proposed STD.

Experience and Satisfaction of Cancer Patients With a Central Venous Catheter at a Tertiary Hospital in South Korea

As cancer chemotherapy transitions from inpatient care to outpatient care, the number of patients who receive a central venous catheter (CVC) and the interest in CVCs as a safe intravenous administration route have increased recently in South Korea. The purpose of this study was to investigate the discomforts and satisfaction that cancer patients with a CVC may experience in daily activities as an outpatient and to provide rationale for nursing interventions. Data collection was conducted between April 11, 2011, and August 31, 2011. Forty-three questionnaires were collected, and a total of 41 questionnaires were used for the final analysis. The mean age of patients was 45.1 years (SD = 11.1 years; range, 18-64 years). The average score of experience of the CVC insertion procedure, daily life experiences of patients with a CVC, the satisfaction and fear of using a CVC, and the acceptance of CVCs were 2.48 ± 0.56, 2.18 ± 0.50, 2.56 ± 0.49, and 2.35 ± 0.39, respectively. The results showed that more detailed information on CVCs, as well as sufficient emotional support, should be provided to the patient to minimize discomfort during CVC insertion. Patient-centered education helps empower patients to master CVC self-management, as well as an understanding of the cultural aspect of South Korean patients who practice the traditional Confucian ethics of "unaltering one's body" and are therefore reluctant to have CVCs inserted into their bodies.

PERIPHERAL VENIPUNCTURE: COMPREHENSION AND EVALUATION OF NURSING PRACTICES

ABSTRACT Objective: to understand the nursing practices related to peripheral venipuncture and to analyze the incidence of complications in patients with venous catheters. Method: mixed design, involving: case study, sectional study, cohort study and focus group. The sample consisted of nurses and patients from a medical clinic in Portugal. Thematic analysis and descriptive statistics were performed. Results: stressors capable of influencing nursing practices were identified, including: the decisions of the medical team, the age and characteristics of the venous network of the patient, the availability of other catheters in the institution, the low level of knowledge of nurses regarding the care of patients in the insertion, maintenance and removal of the peripherally inserted central venous catheter. The following complications and their respective incidences were documented in patients with peripheral venous catheters: phlebitis (22.2%), obstruction (27.7%), fluid exiting through insertion site (36.1%), infiltration (38.8%) and accidental catheter removal (47.2%). Catheter obstruction with an incidence of 22.2% was only observed in those who used the peripherally inserted central venous catheter. The following benefits were observed with the use of the peripherally inserted central venous catheter: safe administration of drugs; pain reduction, number of venous punctures and complications. Conclusions: the peripherally inserted central venous catheter is presented as a valid and viable alternative that can improve the quality of nursing care and the safety and well-being of patients.