Conquering the obstacles during the intervention of a proximal chronic total occlusion of right coronary artery with a concurrent significant ostial stenosis: a case report.

Percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) on a proximal chronic total occlusion (CTO) of the right coronary artery (RCA) with concurrent ostial stenosis can be challenging because of the significant difficulty in properly engaging the catheter and providing stable support during the procedure. We report the case of a 57-year-old man with chronic coronary syndrome who underwent an elective PCI at the Dr. Soetomo General Hospital in Surabaya, on April 13th, 2022. At the beginning of the procedure, there was difficulty in intubating the RCA, which required the guide catheter replacement. The angiography revealed a significant lesion at the ostium, a CTO at proximal to mid- RCA with bridging collaterals, and a significant distal lesion. Several strategies to improve guiding catheter support during PCI are using large and supportive shape guide catheters, deep guide catheter intubation, extra support wire, microcatheter and guide catheter extension. The risk of pressure dampening and ischaemia upon engagement should always be kept under consideration.

Intracardiac vascular access in haemodialysis: A last resort for exhausted traditional access.

Depletion of veins for dialysis access is a challenging life threatening situation for patients in need of haemodialysis. The utilisation of intracardiac catheter is a rare procedure with scarce reported experience. We describe the case of a 68-year-old male that contributes to the limited knowledge of performing a life-saving intracardiac catheter placement for emergency haemodialysis in a patient without immediate alternative renal replacement therapy available. We also retrospectively analyse the experience reported so far and summarise complications and outcomes. In our case, the patient was able to pursue haemodialysis after intracardiac catheter placement without any complications. Two weeks later, the patient successfully received a kidney transplant from a deceased donor and has a serum creatinine of 1.7 mg/dL after 2 years of follow-up. There are only four reported cases of kidney transplantation after the procedure, including our own. Intracardiac catheter is an emerging option that could be considered in certain patients as the last resort. Further investigation with regards to patient candidacy and procedure security are necessary.

Rapid haemostasis to achieve dressing longevity: evaluation trial results using StatSeal catheter exit site protection.

Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are vital in delivering intravenous therapy. Despite their advantages, PICCs can lead to complications such as catheter exit site bleeding, which can cause patient distress and increase infection risk. This study evaluated the efficacy of StatSeal, a topical haemostatic device, in managing PICC exit site bleeding. StatSeal uses a hydrophilic polymer and potassium ferrate to form a seal, reducing access site bleeding and minimising dressing changes. For this study, Patients were recruited at Frimley Health NHS Foundation Trust; the trial involved 177 patients with StatSeal, and shows that 99% did not require additional dressing changes within the standard 7-day period. The findings demonstrate StatSeal's effectiveness in improving patient outcomes by reducing exit site bleeding and associated complications, enhancing the efficiency of vascular access maintenance and potentially lowering associated healthcare costs. The trial emphasises the importance of innovative solutions such as StatSeal to advance PICC care and improve patient experience.

Incidence and onset of central venous catheter-related thrombosis in critically ill surgical patients: A prospective observational single-center study.

STUDY OBJECTIVE: Catheter-related thrombosis (CRT) is a major complication of central venous catheters (CVCs). However, the incidence, onset, and dependence of CRT on CVC material and/or type in critically ill surgical patients is unknown. Therefore, we here investigated the incidence, onset, and dependence of CRT on a variety of risk factors, including CVC material and type, in critically ill surgical patients. DESIGN: Prospective, investigator-initiated, observational study. SETTING: A surgical intensive care unit at a university hospital. PATIENTS: All critically ill patients with CVCs (surgical: 79.8%/medical: 20.2%) who were treated in our surgical intensive care unit during a six-month period. INTERVENTIONS: None. MEASUREMENTS: All CVCs were examined for CRT every other day using ultrasound, starting within 24 h of placement. The primary outcome was the time of onset of CRT, depending on the type of CVC (three to five lumens, three different manufacturers). The CRT risk factors were analyzed using multiple Cox proportional hazards regression models. MAIN RESULTS: We included 94 first-time CVCs in the internal jugular vein. The median time to CRT varied from one to five days for different types of CVCs. Within one day, 37 to 64% of CVCs and within one week, 64 to 100% of CVCs developed a CRT. All but one of the CRT observed were asymptomatic and caused no complications. Multiple regression analyses of CRT risk factors showed that beside cancer and omitting prophylactic anticoagulation, some types of CVC were also associated with a higher risk of CRT. CONCLUSIONS: Almost all CVCs in the internal jugular vein in critically ill surgical patients developed an asymptomatic CRT in the first days after catheterization.

Enzymatically Built Nanoenabled Antimicrobial Coating on Urinary Catheters.

Catheter-associated urinary tract infections represent a major share of nosocomial infections, and are associated with longer periods of hospitalization and a huge financial burden. Currently, there are only a handful of commercial materials that reduce biofilm formation on urinary catheters, mostly relying on silver alloys. Therefore, we combined silver-phenolated lignin nanoparticles with poly(carboxybetaine) zwitterions to build a composite antibiotic-free coating with bactericidal and antifouling properties. Importantly, the versatile lignin chemistry enabled the formation of the coating in situ, enabling both the nanoparticle grafting and the radical polymerization by using only the oxidative activity of laccase. The resulting surface efficiently prevented nonspecific protein adsorption and reduced the bacterial viability on the catheter surface by more than 2 logs under hydrodynamic flow, without exhibiting any apparent signs of cytotoxicity. Moreover, the said functionality was maintained over a week both in vitro and in vivo, whereby the animal models showed excellent biocompatibility.

Evaluation of perioperative risk factors for bladder neck contracture after bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate.

PURPOSE: Bladder neck contracture after transurethral resection of the prostate is a common complication but without clear predisposing factors. In this prospective study, we evaluated the perioperative risk factors associated with bladder neck contracture after bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate. METHODS: The study included 391 patients who were admitted for bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate between October 2020 to October 2023 by three experienced surgeons. Forty three patients had bladder neck contracture and their perioperative parameters were compared with randomly chosen 172 patients without bladder neck contracture. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between the studied groups regarding the general and present history characteristics. Re-catheterization after transurethral resection of the prostate, post-operative recurrent urinary tract infection, resection speed, and associated urethral stricture were significantly higher among the bladder neck-contraction group (P < 0.05), while total PSA, total prostate weight, post void residual urine volume, resected gland weight, resection time and catheter duration were significantly lower among the bladder neck-contraction group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Bladder neck contracture after bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate is more common among patients with small fibrotic prostate, low total PSA, small post- void residual urine volume, those with a higher incidence of post-operative recurrent urinary-tract infection and patients with a higher incidence of re-catheterization after transurethral resection of the prostate.

MAP-AF: A Multicenter, Single-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: The clinical outcome of pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) for persistent atrial fibrillation (AF) is suboptimal. Mapping studies have demonstrated atrial sites outside of the pulmonary veins displaying focal activation patterns during AF. We sought to determine whether adding catheter ablation of focal activation sites to PVI improves clinical outcomes of catheter ablation for persistent AF. METHODS: In this multicenter, randomized, single-blinded trial, we assigned patients with persistent AF to either PVI alone or to mapping-guided ablation of focal activation sites in addition to PVI in a 1:1 ratio. In the mapping-guided group, both atria were mapped after PVI using a Pentaray catheter (Biosense-Webster) and focal activation sites identified by CARTOFINDER (Biosense-Webster) were ablated. The primary end point was freedom from AF or atrial tachycardia without antiarrhythmic drugs beyond a 90-day blanking period. RESULTS: A total of 98 patients were assigned to the mapping-guided group and 102 to the PVI alone group. In the mapping-guided group, focal activation sites were identified at 2.6±0.3 and 2.5±0.2 sites per patient in the left and right atrium, respectively. Patients were followed up for 768.5 (interquartile range, 723.75-915.75) and 755.5 days (interquartile range, 728.5-913.75) in the mapping-guided ablation and the PVI alone groups, respectively. Freedom from AF/atrial tachycardia without antiarrhythmic drugs at 2-year follow-up was 66.8% and 75.2% in the mapping-guided ablation and the PVI alone groups, respectively (hazard ratio, 1.26 [95% CI, 0.76-2.10]; P=0.37). Adverse events occurred in 3 patients (3.0%) and none (0%) in the mapping-guided ablation and the PVI alone groups, respectively (P=0.12). CONCLUSIONS: In patients with persistent AF, the addition of mapping-guided ablation of focal activation sites to PVI did not improve clinical outcomes compared with PVI alone. REGISTRATION: URL: https://center6.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/index.cgi?function=02; Unique gidentifier: UMIN000037569.

Adverse Events during Prone Positioning of Patients with COVID-19 during a Surge in Hospitalizations-Results of an Observational Study.

This study aimed to determine the prevalence of adverse events in mechanically ventilated adults with COVID-19 who have undergone prone positioning. A total of 100 patients were included retrospectively; 60% were males, the mean age was 64.8 ± 9.1 years, and hospital mortality was 47%. In all, we recorded 118 removals of catheters and tubes in 66 patients; 29.6% were removals of a nasogastric tube, 18.6% of an arterial line, 14.4% of a urinary catheter, and 12.7% of a central venous catheter. Reintubation or repositioning of a tracheotomy tube was required in 19 patients (16.1%), and cardiopulmonary resuscitation in 2 patients (1.7%). We recorded a total of 184 pressure ulcers in 79 patients (on anterior face in 38.5%, anterior thorax in 23.3% and any extremity anteriorly in 15.2%). We observed that body weight (p = 0.021; ß = 0.09 (CI95: 0.01-0.17)) and the cumulative duration of prone positioning (p = 0.005; ß = 0.06 (CI95: 0.02-0.11)) were independently associated with the occurrence of any adverse event. The use of prone positioning in our setting was associated with a greater number of adverse events than previously reported. Body weight and cumulative duration of prone positioning were associated with the occurrence of adverse events; however, other factors during a COVID-19 surge, such as working conditions, staffing, and staff education, could also have contributed to a high prevalence of adverse events.

Nurses' evidence-based knowledge and self-efficacy in venous access device insertion and management: Development and validation of a questionnaire.

AIM: To develop and psychometrically test an instrument to assess nurses' evidence-based knowledge and self-efficacy regarding insertion and management of venous access devices (short peripheral catheter (SPC), long peripheral catheter/midline (LPC) and PICC) and the management of totally implantable central venous catheter (Port) in adult patients. DESIGN: Multicenter cross-sectional observational study with questionnaire development and psychometric testing (validity and reliability). METHODS: An evidence-based instrument was developed including a 34-item knowledge section and an 81-item self-efficacy section including four device-specific parts. Nineteen experts evaluated content validity. A pilot study was conducted with 86 nurses. Difficulty and discrimination indices were calculated for knowledge items. Confirmatory factor analyses tested the dimensionality of the self-efficacy section according to the development model. Construct validity was tested through known group validity. Reliability was evaluated through Cronbach's alpha coefficient for unidimensional scales and omega coefficients for multidimensional scales. RESULTS: Content validity indices and results from the pilot study were excellent with all the item-content validity indices >0.78 and scale-content validity index ranging from 0.96 to 0.99. The survey was completed by 425 nurses. Difficulty and discrimination indices for knowledge items were acceptable with most items (58.8%) showing desirable difficulty and most items (58.8%) with excellent (35.3%) or good (23.5%) discrimination power, and appropriate to the content. The dimensionality of the model posited for self-efficacy was confirmed with adequate fit indices (e.g., comparative fit index range 0.984-0.996, root mean square error of approximation range 0.054-0.073). Construct validity was determined and reliability was excellent with alpha values ranging from 0.843 to 0.946 and omega coefficients ranging from 0.833 to 0.933. Therefore, a valid and reliable tool based on updated guidelines is made available to evaluate nurses' competencies for venous access insertion and management.

A cross-sectional study on non-infectious dysfunction of hemodialysis cuffed catheter.

Background: Dialysis cuffed catheter dysfunction results in inadequate dialysis, increased sepsis risk, and a shortened catheter life. It may be possible to prolong catheter function by identifying the causes of cuffed catheter dysfunction. Methods: This study was a cross-sectional descriptive study conducted in 2021-2022 on hemodialysis patients with jugular cuff catheters. The catheterizations were performed using the Seldinger technique and were confirmed by fluoroscopy. A 12-month follow-up was conducted with respect to the performance of the cuffed catheter. Results: A total of 123 patients underwent hemodialysis over 2 years via a cuffed catheter. Catheters were most commonly inserted into the right internal jugular vein, with lengths of 19 cm (tip to cuff). The rate of dysfunction of cuffed catheters was 27.6%. Catheter-related thrombosis was the most common cause in 10 cases (29.4%), followed by catheter tip fibrin sheath in 8 cases (23.5%) and catheter tip malposition in 8 cases (23.5%). Furthermore, 18 patients (52.94%) of cuffed catheter dysfunction occurred within 3 months of catheter placement, based on our study. The dysfunction of cuffed catheters on the left side 23 (67.64%) is more prevalent than the right side 11 (32.35%) (P=0.043); the malposition of catheter tips is more prevalent on the left side (P=0.023). Conclusion: Most commonly, cuffed catheter dysfunction is caused by thrombosis, fibrin sheath formation, and catheter tip malposition. Cuffed catheter failure can be reduced by carefully monitoring the catheter's path and tip position, searching for fibrin sheaths when investigating cuffed catheter failure, and preventing thrombotic events.

Comparison of feasibility and effectiveness of tunneled dialysis catheter placement with or without DSA guidance: a propensity score-matched cohort study.

BACKGROUND: In some resource-limited regions, the placement of tunneled dialysis catheters (TDC) is often preferred under ultrasound guidance rather than fluoroscopy. This study compared ultrasound-and digital subtraction angiography-guided (DSA)-guided TDC in renal replacement therapy. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included all TDC placements performed at our hospital between January 2020 and October 2022. We utilized 1:1 propensity score matching (PSM) to balance the demographic and clinical characteristics of the DSA-guided and ultrasound-guided groups. Dialysis prescriptions and actual dialysis completion were assessed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC). Multivariable logistic regression analyses determined the risk factors for early termination of dialysis. The differences in adverse events, catheter function, and catheter tip position were evaluated between the two groups. RESULTS: The study included 261 patients (142 in the DSA-guided group and 119 in the ultrasound-guided group). After PSM, 91 patients were included in each group, with no significant baseline differences (p > .1). Both groups achieved adequate catheter blood flow and ultrafiltration volumes without deviations from dialysis prescriptions (ICC ≥ 0.75). The DSA-guided group had fewer early dialysis terminations than the ultrasound-guided group (3.3 vs. 12.0%, p = .026). The position of the catheter tip in the right atrium was more consistent in the DSA-guided group (100 vs. 74.2%, p < .001). CONCLUSION: Hemodialysis catheters inserted under DSA guidance exhibited superior performance compared to those inserted under ultrasound guidance, primarily due to more accurate catheter tip positioning. DSA guidance is recommended when ensuring optimal catheter tip placement.

Indwelling-tunneled-central-venous-catheter-related early bacteremia and preoperative prophylaxis: a case and control study. / Bacteriemia precoz asociada a catéter venoso central tunelizado permanente y profilaxis preoperatoria: estudio de casos y controles.

INTRODUCTION: The indication of preoperative prophylaxis in the insertion of indwelling tunneled central venous catheters (ITCVC) has a low level of evidence. Our objective was to assess risk factors of ITCVC-related early bacteremia in oncological pediatric patients and to determine the need for preoperative prophylaxis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A univariate and multivariate retrospective analysis of patients in whom an ITCVC was placed from January 2020 to July 2023, according to whether they had ITCVC-related early bacteremia (EB) in the first 30 postoperative days, was carried out. Demographic variables, leukopenia, neutropenia, use of preoperative antibiotic prophylaxis, and history of central venous catheter (CVC) or bacteremia were collected. Calculations were carried out using the IBM SSPS29® software. RESULTS: 176 patients with a mean age of 7.6 years (SD: 4.82) were analyzed. 7 EB cases were identified, with a greater frequency of neutropenia (p= 0.2), history of CVC in the 48 hours before insertion (p= 0.08), and intraoperative CVC (p= 0.04). The presence of intraoperative CVC increased the risk of EB 9-fold [OR: 9.4 (95%CI: 1.288-69.712) (p= 0.027)]. The lack of preoperative prophylaxis did not increase the risk of EB [OR: 2.2 (CI: 0.383-12.669) (p= 0.3)]. The association with other variables was not significant. CONCLUSIONS: The intraoperative presence of CVC was a risk factor of EB in our patients. Preoperative prophylaxis had no impact on the risk of EB, which in our view does not support its use. However, further studies with a larger sample size are required. Leukopenia or neutropenia at diagnosis were not associated with a greater prevalence of infection.

INTRODUCCION: La indicación de profilaxis preoperatoria en la colocación de catéteres venosos centrales tunelizados permanentes (CVCTP) tiene bajo nivel de evidencia. Nuestro objetivo fue evaluar factores de riesgo de bacteriemia precoz asociada a CVCTP en pacientes pediátricos oncológicos y determinar la necesidad de profilaxis preoperatoria. MATERIAL Y METODOS: Realizamos un análisis retrospectivo univariante y multivariante de los pacientes con colocación de CVCTP entre enero 2020 y julio 2023, en función de si presentaron bacteriemia precoz (BP) relacionada con CVCTP en los primeros 30 días postoperatorios. Recogimos variables demográficas y otras como: leucopenia, neutropenia, uso de profilaxis antibiótica preoperatoria y antecedente de catéter venoso central (CVC) o bacteriemia. Los cálculos se realizaron mediante el software IBM SSPS29®. RESULTADOS: Analizamos 176 pacientes, con edad media de 7,6 años (SD 4,82). Identificamos 7 casos de BP, que presentaron mayor frecuencia de neutropenia (p=  0,2) y antecedente de CVC las 48h previas a la colocación (p=  0,08) y CVC intraoperatorio (p=  0,04). La presencia de CVC intraoperatorio aumentó 9 veces el riesgo de BP [OR 9,4 (IC 95% de 1,288-69,712) (p=  0,027)]. La falta de profilaxis prequirúrgica no aumentó el riesgo de BP [OR 2,2 (IC 0,383-12,669) (p=  0,3)]. La relación con otras variables no fue significativa. CONCLUSIONES: La presencia intraoperatoria de CVC fue factor de riesgo de BP en nuestros pacientes. La profilaxis preoperatoria no influyó sobre el riesgo de BP, por lo que creemos que su empleo no está justificado, aunque se necesitarían más estudios con mayor tamaño muestral. La leucopenia o neutropenia al momento diagnóstico no se relacionaron con mayor prevalencia de infección.

Awareness of peripheral IV catheters among nurses, physicians, and trainees: A prospective cohort study.

BACKGROUND: Peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVs) are the most frequently used invasive device in hospitalized patients. These devices are not benign and are associated with complications. However, clinician awareness of them is variable and poorly understood. METHODS: We conducted a prospective, multicenter, observational point prevalence study to assess awareness of PIV presence among clinicians caring for hospitalized patients in 4 hospitals between May 2018 and February 2019 located in Michigan, USA. We first assessed patients for the presence of a PIV then interviewed their providers. Differences in awareness by provider type were assessed via χ² tests; P < .05 was considered statistically significant. Analyses were performed on Stata MP v16. RESULTS: A total of 1,385 patients and 4,003 providers were interviewed. Nurses had the greatest awareness of overall PIV presence, 98.6%, while attendings were correct 88.1% of the time. Nurses were more likely to correctly assess PIV presence and exact location than physicians (67.7% vs <30% for all others). Awareness of PIV presence did not significantly vary in patients on contact precautions or those receiving infusions. CONCLUSIONS: Given the ubiquity of PIVs and known complications, methods to increase awareness to ensure appropriate care and removal are necessary.

Evaluating the effectiveness of early urethral catheter removal combined with intermittent catheterization for promoting early recovery of bladder function after laparoscopic radical hysterectomy: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: Bladder dysfunction, notably urinary retention, emerges as a significant complication for cervical cancer patients following radical hysterectomy, predominantly due to nerve damage, severely impacting their postoperative quality of life. The challenges to recovery include insufficient pelvic floor muscle training and the negative effects of prolonged postoperative indwelling urinary catheters. Intermittent catheterization represents the gold standard for neurogenic bladder management, facilitating bladder training, which is an important behavioral therapy aiming to enhance bladder function through the training of the external urethral sphincter and promoting the recovery of the micturition reflex. Nevertheless, gaps remain in current research regarding optimal timing for intermittent catheterization and the evaluation of subjective symptoms of bladder dysfunction. METHODS: Cervical cancer patients undergoing laparoscopic radical hysterectomy will be recruited to this randomized controlled trial. Participants will be randomly assigned to either early postoperative catheter removal combined with intermittent catheterization group or a control group receiving standard care with indwelling urinary catheters. All these patients will be followed for 3 months after surgery. The study's primary endpoint is the comparison of bladder function recovery rates (defined as achieving a Bladder Function Recovery Grade of II or higher) 2 weeks post-surgery. Secondary endpoints include the incidence of urinary tract infections, and changes in urodynamic parameters, and Mesure Du Handicap Urinaire scores within 1 month postoperatively. All analysis will adhere to the intention-to-treat principle. DISCUSSION: The findings from this trial are expected to refine clinical management strategies for enhancing postoperative recovery among cervical cancer patients undergoing radical hysterectomy. By providing robust evidence, this study aims to support patients and their families in informed decision-making regarding postoperative bladder management, potentially reducing the incidence of urinary complications and improving overall quality of life post-surgery. TRIAL REGISTRATION: ChiCTR2200064041, registered on 24th September, 2022.

Comparing outcomes of right verse left hepatic approach percutaneous biliary drainage catheters.

Purpose: Determine if there is a difference in adverse events (AE) between right or left hepatic percutaneous biliary drain placement (PTBD) in patients with biliary strictures. Materials & methods: This retrospective study included patients with benign or malignant biliary stricture treated with PTBD at a single institution from 7/28/2004-3/30/2021. 357 patients met inclusion criteria, 77 (21.6 %) had PTBD on the left and 280 (78.4 %) on the right. AEs associated with the initial drain placement or during subsequent intervention were collected and categorized. AEs that were grouped as periprocedural included: surgery, infection, hemorrhage, and drain failure. AEs in the postprocedural group included: chills, catheter displacement, cholangitis, biliary stones, drain malfunction, fever resolving without treatment, and pericatheter leakage. Surgery was considered a major AE and the remaining AEs were categorized as minor. Statistical analyses were performed using Logistic Regression Analysis and p-values less than 0.05 were considered statistically significant. Results: Overall, there was no statistically significant difference in AEs between right and left drains in the periprocedural and postprocedural period (p = 0.832, OR = 0.95 and p = 0.808, OR = 0.93 respectively). When analyzing minor AEs individually, only cholangitis occurred at a higher rate on the right side (p = 0.033, OR = 0.43). There was no statistical difference in the rate of major AEs in the periprocedural period between left and right drains (p = 0.311, OR = 1.37). Conclusion: Current literature is equivocal when comparing right versus left percutaneous biliary drains. This analysis describes no statistically significant difference in AEs between right and left hepatobiliary drains aside from slightly higher incidence of cholangitis for right sided drains.

Dysbiosis and Staphylococcus species over representation in the exit site skin microbiota of hemodialysis patients carrying tunneled cuffed central venous catheter.

OBJECTIVES: Hemodialysis patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) are susceptible to infections and dysbiosis. Catheter-related infections are typically caused by opportunistic skin pathogens. This study aims to compare the skin microbiota changes around the exit site of tunneled cuffed catheters (peri-catheter group) and the contralateral site (control group). METHODS: ESRD patients on hemodialysis were recruited. The skin microbiota were collected with moist skin swabs and analyzed using high-throughput sequencing of the 16S rDNA V3-V4 region. After denoising, de-replication, and removal of chimeras, the reads were assigned to zero-radius operational taxonomic units (ZOTU). RESULTS: We found significantly reduced alpha diversity in the peri-catheter group compared to the control group, as indicated by the Shannon, Jost, and equitability indexes, but not by the Chao1 or richness indexes. Beta diversity analysis revealed significant deviation of the peri-catheter microbiota from its corresponding control group. There was an overrepresentation of Firmicutes and an underrepresentation of Actinobacteria, Proteobacteria, and Acidobacteria at the phylum level in the peri-catheter group. The most abundant ZOTU (Staphylococcus spp.) drastically increased, while Cutibacterium, a commensal bacterium, decreased in the peri-catheter group. Network analysis revealed that the skin microbiota demonstrated covariance with both local and biochemical factors. CONCLUSIONS: In conclusion, there was significant skin microbiota dysbiosis at the exit sites compared to the control sites in ESRD dialysis patients. Managing skin dysbiosis represents a promising target in the prevention of catheter-related bacterial infections.

Incidence of catheter-related thrombosis and its association with outcome in critically ill patients: A prospective observational study.

BACKGROUND: Incidence of central venous catheter (CVC)-related thrombosis in critically ill patients remains ambiguous and its association with potential hazardous sequelae unknown. The primary aim of the study was to evaluate the epidemiology of CVC-related thrombosis; secondary aims were to assess the association of catheter-related thrombosis with catheter-related infection, pulmonary embolism and mortality. METHODS: This was a single-center, prospective observational study conducted at a tertiary intensive care unit (ICU) in the Netherlands. The study population consisted of CVC placements in adult ICU patients with a minimal indwelling time of 48 h. CVC-related thrombosis was diagnosed with ultrasonography. Primary outcomes were prevalence and incidence, incidence was reported as the number of cases per 1000 indwelling days. RESULTS: 173 CVCs in 147 patients were included. Median age of patients was 64.0 [IQR: 52.0, 72.0] and 71.1 % were male. Prevalence of thrombosis was 0.56 (95 % CI: 0.49, 0.63) and incidence per 1000 indwelling days was 65.7 (95 % CI: 59.0, 72.3). No association with catheter-related infection was found (p = 0.566). There was a significant association with pulmonary embolism (p = 0.022). All 173 CVCs were included in the survival analysis. Catheter-related thrombosis was associated with a lower 28-day mortality risk (hazard ratio: 0.39, 95 % CI: 0.17, 0.87). CONCLUSION: In critically ill patients, prevalence and incidence of catheter-related thrombosis were high. Catheter-related thrombosis was not associated with catheter-related infections, but was associated with pulmonary embolism and a decreased mortality risk.

Real-Time Ultrasound Tip Location Reduces Malposition and Radiation Exposure during Umbilical Venous Catheter Placement in Neonates: A Retrospective, Observational Study.

INTRODUCTION: The umbilical venous catheter is a vital access device in neonatal intensive care units for preterm and critically ill infants. Correct positioning is crucial, as malpositioning can lead to severe complications. According to international guidelines, the position of the umbilical venous catheter tip must be assessed in real time; traditionally, the catheter is visualized with a thoracoabdominal X-ray, but one of the most effective and safest methods is therefore real-time ultrasound. METHODS: This study compares real-time ultrasound and traditional X-ray methods for assessing umbilical venous catheter tip location in 461 cases. The rate of tip malposition was analyzed retrospectively. The secondary aim was to assess indwelling time of umbilical venous catheters and reasons of removal. RESULTS: Real-time ultrasound tip location, found to be more reliable and efficient, demonstrated a significantly lower incidence of primary malpositioning compared to X-ray assessments (9.6 vs. 75.9%). The study also highlighted the association of real-time ultrasound with reduced catheter manipulation, fewer radiographs, and higher indwelling times of umbilical venous catheter. The multiple logistic regression showed a high probability of the central safe position of the umbilical venous catheter tip using real-time ultrasound tip location (odds ratio 29.5, 95% confidence interval: 17.4-49.4). CONCLUSION: The findings support the adoption of real-time ultrasound in clinical settings to enhance umbilical venous catheter placement accuracy and minimize associated risks. A minimal training investment is needed to attain the proficiency to visualize the umbilical venous catheters, offering a substantial advantage in terms of both cost-effectiveness for the procedure and enhanced patient safety.

Evaluation and Treatment of Entrapped Peripheral Nerve Catheters: A Case Report and Review.

Methods to remove retained peripheral nerve catheters range from non-invasive techniques to open surgical procedures. This study reviews two cases requiring surgical intervention for catheter remnant removal after catheter breakage and presents a systematic review describing the diagnosis and treatment of retained perineural catheters. While still very rare, our case report and systematic review demonstrate that retained nerve catheters can occur as the result of kinking or knotting, but also from catheter breakage. We recommend risk mitigation strategies for providers placing or caring for patients with regional nerve catheters.

Comparing Management Strategies in Patients With Clot-in-Transit.

BACKGROUND: Clot-in-transit is associated with high mortality, but optimal management strategies remain uncertain. The aim of this study was to compare the outcomes of different treatment strategies in patients with clot-in-transit. METHODS: This is a retrospective study of patients with documented clot-in-transit in the right heart on echocardiography across 2 institutions between January 2020 and October 2023. The primary outcome was a composite of in-hospital mortality, resuscitated cardiac arrest, or hemodynamic decompensation. RESULTS: Among 35 patients included in the study, 10 patients (28.6%) received anticoagulation alone and 2 patients (5.7%) received systemic thrombolysis, while 23 patients (65.7%) underwent catheter-based therapy (CBT; 22 mechanical thrombectomy and 1 catheter-directed thrombolysis). Over a median follow-up of 30 days, 9 patients (25.7%) experienced the primary composite outcome. Compared with anticoagulation alone, patients who received CBT or systemic thrombolysis had significantly lower rates of the primary composite outcome (12% versus 60%; log-rank P<0.001; hazard ratio, 0.13 [95% CI, 0.03-0.54]; P=0.005) including a lower rate of death (8% versus 50%; hazard ratio, 0.10 [95% CI, 0.02-0.55]; P=0.008), resuscitated cardiac arrest (4% versus 30%; hazard ratio, 0.12 [95% CI, 0.01-1.15]; P=0.067), or hemodynamic deterioration (4% versus 30%; hazard ratio, 0.12 [95% CI, 0.01-1.15]; P=0.067). CONCLUSIONS: In this study of CBT in patients with clot-in-transit, CBT or systemic thrombolysis was associated with a significantly lower rate of adverse clinical outcomes, including a lower rate of death compared with anticoagulation alone driven by the CBT group. CBT has the potential to improve outcomes. Further large-scale studies are needed to test these associations.