Anatomic description of the distal great saphenous vein to facilitate peripheral venous access during resuscitation: a cadaveric study.

The distal great saphenous vein is a popular site for venous access by means of percutaneous cannulation or venous cutdown in a hemodynamically unstable patient. The aim of this study was to precisely define the surface anatomy and dimensions of the distal part of the great saphenous vein to facilitate the aforementioned procedures. Cross-sectional anatomy of the distal saphenous vein was studied in 24 cadaveric ankles sectioned at a horizontal plane across the most prominent points of the medial and lateral malleoli. The curvilinear distance from the most prominent point of the medial malleolus to the center of the saphenous vein, its widest collapsed diameter and skin depth were obtained. The great saphenous vein was located at a mean distance of 24.4 ± 7.9 mm anterior to the medial malleolus. The mean widest collapsed diameter was 3.8 ± 1.5 mm. The mean distance from the skin surface to the vein was 4.1 ± 1.2 mm. These measurements could be used to locate the saphenous vein accurately, particularly in hemodynamically unstable patients with visually indiscernible veins.

Use of plastic adhesive skin drapes in cancer patients undergoing totally implantable vascular access port (TIVAP) placement-a randomized controlled pilot study.

PURPOSE: A totally implantable vascular access port (TIVAP) is commonly required in cancer patients. Possible adverse events after TIVAP implantation include surgical site infection (SSI) and port-related bacteremia. This study examined whether adhesive surgical drapes can reduce the risk of SSI. METHODS: A total of 100 mostly cancer patients were randomized into two groups before undergoing TIVAP implantation by surgical cut-down. In one group, an adhesive, non-impregnated drape was applied to the skin prior to incision, while the control group underwent surgery without a drape. Swabs were taken from the surgical site and sent for microbiologic testing. SSI rates were compared between groups. RESULTS: No SSI occurred within 30 days after surgery. In each group, two patients died. There were 5 complications (port thrombosis, port dislocation, two cases of pneumothorax, skin allergy), all in the intervention group (p = 0.056). Using the incision drape prolonged procedure time by + 5 min (95% CI - 1 to + 10, p = 0.125). Microbiologic swab testing failed to detect any effect of the incision drape. CONCLUSIONS: Plastic adhesive skin drapes may be unnecessary in cancer patients who undergo surgical implantation of a TIVAP.

Comparison of Central Venous Port Procedures Between Puncture vs. Cut-down and Residents vs. Senior Surgeons.

BACKGROUND/AIM: To compare operative results between venous puncture (P) with real-time ultrasonography vs. cut-down (CD) with preoperative ultrasonography for totally implantable central vein access device (TICVAD) implantation performed by residents (R) vs. senior surgeons (S). PATIENTS AND METHODS: Adult oncologic patients (n=268) undergoing TICVAD implantations were retrospectively compared between 172 Ps and 96 CDs. Then, we compared Ps performed by R (P-R, n=131) and S (P-S, n=41) and CDs performed by R (CD-R, n=59) and S (CD-S, n=37). RESULTS: Median operation times were 40 min in the P group and 53.5 min in the CD group, and times were significantly shorter for P-S and CD-S. Completion rates were comparable for each method and each surgeon. Intraoperative complication rates were 3.8% (P-R), 2.4% (P-S), and 0% (CD-R and CD-S). CONCLUSION: P with real-time ultrasonography did not avoid complications compared to CD with preoperative ultrasonography. The latter performed safely even by residents.

Long-Term Follow-Up Examination of the Internal Jugular Vein After Vessel-Sparing Implantation of a Hickman Catheter or Port Catheter.

Introduction: Both a Hickman catheter (HC) and port catheter (Port) can be inserted either percutaneously by the Seldinger technique or by surgical venous cut-down. Catheters are inserted with a vessel-sparing technique when they are placed in the internal jugular vein (IJV) by venous cut-down. Although this technique is common, data are sparse regarding the vessel's state at long-term follow-up. This study was aimed at determining the flow pattern and constitution of the IJV after vessel-sparing implantation of an HC or Port and comparing the outcomes to those of implantation with the Seldinger technique. Methods: One hundred children (58 boys, 42 girls) between 33 days and 18 years of age who underwent a vessel-sparing implantation of an HC or Port in the IJV were prospectively included. All patients underwent surgical venous cut-down at a single institution. Patency and shape of the IJV were determined by ultrasound and categorized according to 2 possible outcomes: relevant alteration (including occlusion of the IJV) and no relevant alteration, with relevant alteration defined as changes that caused an altered flow pattern. Results: Median age was 6 years at the time of operation, and the median indwelling time of catheters was 271 days. Twenty-two of our patients (22%) showed relevant alterations. These changes included high-grade stenosis or lesion in 13 patients (13%) and occlusion in 9 patients (9%). There were no operation-associated complications, such as pneumothorax, hematopericardium, or accidental puncture of the carotid artery. Statistical analysis did not reveal any specific parameter as a risk factor for relevant structural abnormalities. Discussion: In a comparison of our data to the literature, venous cut-down showed an alteration rate of 26% and a patency rate of 85%, whereas the Seldinger technique was found to cause alteration in 15%, with a patency rate of 97% but a successful placement rate of only 90.3-91.6%. Conclusion: The indication for long-term catheter placement may determine which method is preferable. A child who is likely to need more catheters in the future might benefit from the Seldinger technique, since there is a higher chance of long-term patency of the vessel. A patient undergoing chemotherapy might benefit more from the surgical venous cut-down with less placement-associated complications.

Retrieval of Intravascular Fractured Fragment of Tunnelled Double Lumen Catheter in Hemodialysis Patient.

BACKGROUND: Intravascular fractured fragment of double lumen catheter with embolisation is a serious and rare complication. Another serious complication includes infection, thrombosis, arrhythmias, and pulmonary embolism. We report a successful surgical venous cut-down technique in the retrieval of an intravascular fractured fragment of tunnelled double lumen catheter in a hemodialysis patient. CASE REPORT: A 51-year-old female underwent hemodialysis through a tunnelled double lumen catheter and had her arterio-venous graft matured. During retrieval of tunnelled double lumen catheter procedure, the distal part of the catheter was fractured and slipped into the internal jugular vein. Chest radiograph revealed intravascular double lumen catheter extending from the distal part of the right internal jugular vein to right atrium. The procedure of foreign body retrieval was done the next day under general anaesthesia and C-Arm guidance using right internal jugular venous cut-down approach. A right-angle clamp was used to retrieve the fragment without any post-procedure complications. CONCLUSION: Intravascular fractured fragment of double lumen catheter is a dangerous situation as are all the intravascular foreign bodies. The choices of the technique for retrieval of the fractured fragment are varied. It depends on the type and site of a fractured fragment as well as the surgeon experiences.

Use of a hydrophilic coating wire reduces significantly the rate of central vein punctures and the incidence of pneumothorax in totally implantable access port (TIAP) surgery.

BACKGROUND: Insertion of a Totally Implantable Access Port (TIAP) can be performed either via Central Vein Puncture (CVP) or Brachiocephalic Vein Cut-down (venous section-VS). The primary success rate of TIAP implantation using VS rarely ever achieves 100%. The objective of this study was to describe a modified VS approach using a hydrophilic coated wire (TVS). METHODS: From 01.01.2015 to 31.12.2015, all patients receiving TIAP implantations were screened. During this time, all patients in whom the primary VS procedure was found to be unsuccessful were analysed. RESULTS: In 2015, 1152 patients had TIAP implantations performed by 24 different surgeons. Of these, 277 patients needed a second line rescue strategy either by CVP (n = 69) or TVS (n = 208). There were no statistically significant differences regarding demographics or indication for TIAP implantation between CVP and TVS. The operation time and the qualification of the operating surgeon between CVP and TVS did not differ significantly. After the introduction of the guidewire with a hydrophilic coated wire, the need for CVP decreased significantly from 12.7% to 8.8% (p < 0.0001). In patients receiving CVP as a second line rescue strategy, the incidence of pneumothorax (n = 3 patients (4.3%)) was significantly higher compared to patients with TVS as a second line rescue strategy (n = 1 patient (0.48%), p = 0.02). CONCLUSION: The use of a hydrophilic coated wire significantly decreased the number of CVP and the incidence of pneumothorax. TVS is a safe and successful second-line rescue strategy.

Surgical model pig ex vivo for venous dissection teaching in medical schools

Abstract Purpose: To investigate a method for development of surgical skills in medical students simulating venous dissection in surgical ex vivo pig model. Methods: Prospective, analytical, experimental, controlled study with four stages: selection, theoretical teaching, training and assessment. Sample of 312 students was divided into two groups: Group A - 2nd semester students; Group B - students of 8th semester. The groups were divided into five groups of 12 students, trained two hours per week in the semester. They set up four models to three students in each skill station assisted by a monitor. Teaching protocol emergency procedures training were applied to venous dissection, test goal-discursive and OSATS scale. Results: The pre-test confirmed that the methodology has not been previously applied to the students. The averages obtained in the theoretical evaluation reached satisfactory parameters in both groups. The results of applying OSATS scale showed the best performance in group A compared to group B, however, both groups had satisfactory medium. Conclusion: The method was enough to raise a satisfactory level of skill both groups in venous dissection running on surgical swine ex vivo models.

The changing profile of safe techniques for the insertion of a central venous catheter in pediatric patients - improvement in the outcome with the experiences of 500 insertions in a single institution.

BACKGROUND: The ability to safely insert a central venous catheter (CVC) is critical to avoid associated complications. The aim of this study was to explore appropriate technique to maintain the safety of pediatric patients during CVC. METHODS: We reviewed the surgical records of CVC insertion techniques and associated complications of 503 tunneled CVC insertions performed from 2000 to 2015. RESULTS: Two hundred thirty CVCs (45.7%) were inserted into the subclavian vein using the landmark technique for 10years (first period). Only two pneumothoraxes (0.9%) were experienced. In 2009, we adopted ultrasound-guided venous catheterization from the internal jugular vein, and 103 CVCs (20.5%) were inserted (second period). This procedure led to penetration into the innominate vein (1.0%) by dilater sheath. Patient underwent repair of the penetrated vessel. After this serious complication, 170 CVCs (33.8%) were inserted using the venous cutdown procedure except two catheters. We had two cases whose accessible veins were occluded because of frequent catheterization using venous cutdown technique. No mechanical complications were experienced. CONCLUSIONS: The venous cutdown method is the safest technique for inserting a tunneled CVC in pediatric patients. However, multiple vein occlusions because of repeated catheterizaion by venous cutdown lead to the exhaustion of accessible vessels. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Treatment Study - Level IV.

Evaluation of totally implantable central venous access devices with the cephalic vein cut-down approach: Usefulness of preoperative ultrasonography.

BACKGROUND: The aims of this retrospective study, were to evaluate totally implantable central venous access device (TICVAD) implantation and to validate the efficacy of preoperative ultrasonography. METHODS: A total of 380 cases implanted with TICVADs were divided into four groups: cut-downs with ultrasonography (group A, n = 112); cut-downs without ultrasonography (group B, n = 37); venous puncture (group C, n = 122); and replacements using the existing catheter (group D, n = 109). Operation time, completion rate, and complications were compared. RESULTS: The average operating time was 41.7, 52.4, and 40.6 min in groups A, B (P < 0.01), and C, respectively. Group A and B experienced no postoperative pneumothorax, arterial puncture, or pinch-off syndrome. Completion rates were 93.7% in group A and 86.5% in group B. Preoperative ultrasonography identified the cephalic vein in 94.1% of subjects with an average diameter of 3.1 mm and depth of 10.2 mm. Identifying convergence of the cephalic vein and the axillary vein improved the completion rate. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the cephalic vein cut-down approach for TICVAD implantation reduced complications. Preoperative ultrasonography resulted in a shorter operating time and higher completion rate.

Modelo biológico no vivo para la enseñanza de la técnica de venodisección en alumnos de pregrado de la carrera de medicina / Non-live biological model for the teaching of the venous cutdown technique to undergraduate medical students

Objetivo: Proporcionar material didáctico útil al estudiante y al médico general para conocer la técnica de venodisección en un modelo biológico no vivo. Sede: Departamento de Cirugía, Facultad de Medicina, UNAM. Diseño: Modelo de enseñanza. Material y método: Se proporcionan indicaciones, contraindicaciones, características anatómicas y técnica a considerar. Empleamos pata de cerdo como modelo didáctico por ser accesible en costos, disponibilidad y un modelo fácilmente reproducible por los alumnos. Por su semejanza con los eventos clínicos que suceden en los pacientes a nivel hospitalario, consideramos que representa un buen método de enseñanza de habilidades quirúrgicas en el pregrado. Conclusión: El actual modelo biológico es una opción viable y representativa de la venodisección; el alumno aprende a identificar al paciente que requiere de este procedimiento; una vez identificado, podrá realizar el procedimiento de manera adecuada evitando, en la medida de lo posible, cualquier tipo de complicación.

Objective: To provide teaching material useful for the medical student and the general physician to learn the venous cutdown technique in a non-live biological model. Setting: Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, UNAM. Design: Teaching model. Material and method: Indications, contraindication, anatomical characteristics and technique to be considered will be provided. We use a pig foot as didactic model because it is accessible in terms of costs, availability, and can be reproduced easily by students. Due to its similarity with clinical events occurring in patients at the hospital level, we consider that it represents a good teaching method of surgical skills at the undergraduate level. Conclusion: The current biological model is a viable option and representative of venous cutdown. The student learns to identify the patient that requires this procedure, once identified he will be able to perform the procedure adequately avoiding, as much as possible, any type of complication.

The Usefulness of Cephalic Vein Cut-Down for Totally Implantable Central Venous Port in Children

The usefulness of totally implantable central venous port for long-term intravenous infusion is widely accepted in children. Usually the catheters are placed through the internal or external jugular vein. In case of jugular vein cut-down, two separate incisions are needed for catheter and port respectively. Patients also feel uncomfortable as the catheter run through the neck. However these disadvantages can be overcome by using the cephalic vein (CV). We reviewed our experiences on CV cut-down for totally implantable central venous port in children. From January 2002 to December 2006, 201 patients (M:F=127:74) underwent 218 central venous port insertions. Mean age at operation was 5.9 years (2 months - 19 years). Indications included chemotherapy (N=167), long-term intravenous antibiotics infusion (N=36), and total parenteral nutrition (N=15). CV was selected preferentially. The incision includes the deltopectoral triangle laterally, and both the CV cut-down and port insertion were achieved with a single incision. The number of insertion through external, internal jugular vein, and CV was 77, 66 and 75, respectively. The median age, height and body weight were higher in CV cut-down group. The youngest age for CV cut-down was 8 months, the shortest height was 69 cm and the smallest body weight was 5.9 kg. Of 118 trials of CV cut-down, cut-down was successful in 75 cases (63.6 %). CV was absent in 10 cases(8.4 %) and CV was sacrificed after catheter tip malposition in 10 cases (8.4 %). There was only one complication, in which the catheter was inserted into the minute branch of subclavian artery. The CV cut-down method for totally implantable central venous port was safe and feasible in selected groups of patients in children. In addition, preservation of jugular vein and a more favorable cosmetic effect are other benefits of CV cut-down.

A Safe Method of Central Venous Catheterization by Peripheral Venous Cutdown in Infants

Percutaneous infraclavicular subclavian catheterization has been widely used for a total parenteral nutrition, hemodynamic monitoring and for venous access in difficult clinical situations. Many authors have claimed the infraclavicular cannulation of the subclavian vein in the tiniest infants can be performed with safety and ease, but there are always possibility of serious complications in this method. We present our experiences of peripheral venous cutdown with Broviac catheter. Author routinely introduced Broviac catheter into central vein via peripheral venous cutdown. There was no life threatening complications and no catheter related death. The complication rate was very low. The catheter related sepsis was documented in only two patient(4.7%). The average catheter longivity was 19.59 days. In view of the safety and low rate of complication, we think that peripheral venous cutdown with Broviac catheter should be the method of choice when central venous access is neccesary in infants. The infraclavicular subclavian catheterization should be reserved in infants with few accessable peripheral vein.