Jpen Parenter Enter
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Jpen Parenter Enter · Sep 1984
Comparative StudyMechanical complications from insertion of subclavian venous feeding catheters: comparison of de novo percutaneous venipuncture to change of catheter over guidewire.
Since a percutaneous catheter insertion into the subclavian vein can be tedious, time consuming, and risky, we have compared the morbidity of 137 de novo subclavian catheter insertions to that of 93 reinsertions over guidewire. Mechanical complications were significantly higher (p less than 0.03) in those with catheter insertions (8.8%) than in those with the guidewire insertions (2.2%). These included pneumothorax (4), arterial puncture (4), catheter-size bleed (3), and hemothorax (1) in the catheter insertion group and local bleeding (1) and hydrothorax (1) in the guidewire insertion group. ⋯ Preliminary analysis indicates that the infection rate, as determined by semiquantitative, cultures, is the same in each group. When considering the equal potential for infection, we conclude that change over a guidewire is an acceptable alternative to contralateral de novo percutaneous subclavian venipuncture for feeding catheter insertion. In view of fewer mechanical complications and greater ease of insertion, change of subclavian feeding catheters by guidewire is probably the method of choice.
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Jpen Parenter Enter · Sep 1984
Letter Case ReportsUse of intercostal and azygos vein for central hyperalimentation.
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Jpen Parenter Enter · Jul 1984
Case ReportsPneumothorax following attempted nasogastric intubation for nutritional support.
Nasogastric intubation is a routine procedure, performed daily by both medical and nursing staff. It is a simple procedure, but not without complications which can be life threatening. We present an unusual, life threatening complication which occurred when nasogastric intubation using a no. 8 polyurethane tube with its metal stilet resulted in a pneumothorax after intubation of the endotracheal tree in the presence of a cuffed endotracheal tube. We emphasize that the presence of a cuffed endotracheal tube should not be considered a safeguard against pulmonary intubation during nasogastric placement of a feeding catheter.