Macro- and microscopic changes in veins with short-term central venous catheters: an observational autopsy study

BACKGROUND

Centrally inserted central catheters (CICCs) are indispensable in modern healthcare, but unfortunately, come with complications. Catheter-related thrombosis is a well-known complication reported to occur in 5-30% of patients with CICC. There is a paucity of studies that report the incidence of catheter-related thrombosis after the introduction of real-time ultrasound insertion guidance as clinical practice. This study aimed to demonstrate any pathological macro- or microscopic changes in the vein wall associated with CICCs.

METHODS

The study was approved by the Swedish Ethical Review Authority and was conducted at a large university hospital. The study included 12 patients with a short-term CICC who were subject to autopsies. Vessels with inserted catheters were macroscopically and microscopically examined.

RESULTS

In total, seven female and five male patients with a median age of 70 (interquartile range 63-76) were included. With one exception, all patients received routine thromboprophylaxis throughout the period with CICC. Most inserted CICCs were 9.5 French (54%) and were inserted in the internal jugular vein (92%). The median time with CICC was seven days (interquartile range 1.8-20). At autopsy, thrombi were observed in all cases (100%), macroscopically and microscopically, attached to the distal portion of the CICC and/or the adjacent vessel wall. Inflammatory changes in the vessel walls were seen in all cases, and varying degrees of fibrosis were demonstrated in eight cases (67%).

CONCLUSIONS

This autopsy study demonstrated that catheter-related thrombus formation with adjacent inflammatory and fibrotic vessel wall thickening was very common, despite a limited period of catheter use. The consequences of these findings are important, as thrombi may cause pulmonary embolism and possibly lead to catheter-related infections, and since inflammatory and fibrotic vessel wall thickening may evolve into chronic venous stenosis. Furthermore, the findings are a cause of concern, as CICCs are indispensable in modern healthcare and complications may be masked by the general disease that was the indication for CICC insertion.

Impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on subcutaneous venous port-related complications in patients with cancer: a retrospective case-control study

BACKGROUND

Vascular access in cancer patients is of great importance in order to deliver tumour-specific therapy and continues to be so during exceptional conditions. This study aimed to examine the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic on the care and complication rates associated with subcutaneous venous port (PORT) insertion in cancer treatment.

METHODS

We retrospectively studied all adult cancer patients that received a PORT in 2020 at a Swedish county hospital, including insertion characteristics and in-dwell complication rates for up to 6 months after implantation; these estimates were compared with historic data.

RESULTS

Data from 257 patients, of which 56 were haematological patients, were included and compared with those of 168 patients in the control group. The group characteristics were similar, except for the inclusion of haematological patients in the study group. Insertion characteristics showed a shorter waiting time and higher rates of antibiotic and sedative use during the pandemic. The rates of postoperative haematoma and catheter occlusion during the study period were higher than otherwise. The rates of adverse events related to the PORT in the solid tumour group were comparable to those in the control group (18.4% vs. 14.9%). Patients with haematological malignancies were more likely to experience adverse events (37.5% vs. 18.4%) and deep venous thrombosis (7.1% vs. 1.0%) than those with solid tumours.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the present findings suggest that PORTs remain a safe venous access system even during a pandemic, indicating a robust vascular access service.

Antithrombogenic peripherally inserted central catheters: overview of efficacy and safety

INTRODUCTION

Thrombotic complications associated with peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are common, as most synthetic materials when placed in the presence of serum often result in platelet activation, fibrin deposition, thrombotic occlusion, and potentially embolization. A current innovation focus has been the development of antithrombogenic catheter materials, including hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces. These are being incorporated into PICCs in an attempt to prevent the normal thrombotic cascade leading to patient harm.

AREAS COVERED

This review focuses on the laboratory efficacy and clinical effectiveness of antithrombogenic PICCs to prevent PICC-associated thrombosis, as well as their efficiency and safety. This synthesis was informed by a systematic identification of published and unpublished laboratory and clinical studies evaluating these technologies.

EXPERT COMMENTARY

A range of PICCs have been developed with antithrombogenic claims, using varying technologies. However, to date, there is no peer-reviewed laboratory research describing the individual PICCs' effectiveness. Despite promising early clinical trials, adequately powered trials to establish efficacy, effectiveness, efficiency, and safety of all of the individual products have not yet been undertaken.

Complication rates among peripherally inserted central venous catheters and centrally inserted central catheters in the medical intensive care unit

PURPOSE

There are limited contemporary data describing the rates of catheter-related deep vein thrombosis (CRDVT) and central line-associated bloodstream infection for peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICCs) and centrally inserted central venous catheters (CICCs) in the medical intensive care unit (ICU).

METHODS

We performed a retrospective cohort study of 200 PICCs (dual/triple lumen) and 200 CICCs (triple/quadruple lumen) placed in medical ICU adults at Mayo Rochester between 2012 and 2013. Central lines were followed from insertion time until hospital dismissal (primary analysis) or ICU discharge (secondary analysis). Symptomatic CRDVT was determined by Doppler ultrasound. Central line-associated bloodstream infection was defined according to federal reporting criteria.

RESULTS

During 1730 PICC days and 637 CICC days, the incidence of CRDVT when followed until hospital dismissal was 4% and 1% (4.6 and 3.1 per 1000 catheter-days), respectively, P = .055. When censored at the time of ICU dismissal, the rates were 2% and 1% (5.3 and 3.7 per 1000 catheter-days), P = .685. Only 1 central line-associated bloodstream infection occurred in a PICC following ICU dismissal, P > .999.

CONCLUSIONS

Thrombotic and infectious complications were uncommon following PICC and CICC insertion, with no significant difference in complication rates observed. Half of PICC DVTs occurred on the general floor, and like all central catheters placed in the ICU, PICCs should be aggressively discontinued when no longer absolutely needed.