The journal of vascular access
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Comparative Study Observational Study
A comparison of infections and complications in central venous catheters in adults with solid tumours.
The aim of this study is to compare the complication rates of three vascular access devices in patients with solid tumours having infusion chemotherapy. ⋯ In our study, we demonstrated that central venous ports and PICC lines in patients undergoing infusional chemotherapy had lower line infection rates than tunnelled catheters, and only ports have been shown to be almost complication-free. In addition, we found infection rates higher in CVCs s cared for by patient/carers rather than hospital only care, and higher in colorectal patients with stomas. Therefore, we recommend that central venous ports are a safe, acceptable CVC option for infusional chemotherapy for adults with solid tumours.
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An interventional vascular access unit is usually part of an interdisciplinary centre, including departments of nephrology, vascular surgery, angiology and interventional radiology. We present recommendations on quality control, equipment and diagnostic and interventional techniques for the treatment of vascular access insufficiency.
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Although tunneled hemodialysis catheter must be considered the last option for vascular access, it is necessary in some circumstances in the dialysis patient. Thrombosis and infections are the main causes of catheter-related comorbidity. Fibrin sheath, intimately related with the biofilm, is the precipitating factor of this environment, determining catheter patency and patient morbidity. ⋯ The higher effectiveness of coatings in nontunneled catheters may depend on the short average life of these devices. Hemodialysis catheters need to be used over long periods of time and require clinical trials to show effectiveness of coatings over long periods. This also means greater knowledge of biofilm etiopathogeny and fibrin sheath development.
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In cardiac surgery, Swan-Ganz catheter (SGC) is often necessary and is inserted before the intervention through an introducer catheter. Catheter-related thrombosis (CRT) is a frequent complication of this procedure and often remains subclinical. The aims of this prospective cohort study were to determinate the incidence of CRT after positioning an SGC through an introducer and to identify factors relating to their occurrence. ⋯ The presence of an introducer catheter for SGC, even for a short time, is associated with a high incidence of early-onset CRT. This incidence is significantly related to the catheter tip being positioned in the brachiocephalic vein and to its use as a central venous access.