Journal of intravenous nursing : the official publication of the Intravenous Nurses Society
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Comparative Study
Peripherally inserted central catheters. Guidewire versus nonguidewire use: a comparative study.
To date, no research articles have been published that explore the practice of using guidewires for placement of peripherally inserted central catheters. The literature contains speculations regarding the pros and cons of guidewire use. However, no studies to date have compared patient outcomes when peripherally inserted central catheter lines are inserted with and without guidewires. ⋯ No significant differences in phlebitis rates between the two study sites were found. Other catheter-related and noncatheter-related complications were similar between the two facilities. The results of this study do not support the belief that guidewire use increases complication rates.