The journal of vascular access
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The purpose of this study is to evaluate the complications of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in orthopedic patients with chronic bone orthopedic infection. ⋯ Even in orthopedic patients with chronic orthopedic bone infection, PICCs have a low rate of complication. The increasing lumen number of the PICC is a potential risk factor in our series.
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Congenital anomalies of superior vena cava and their implications in central venous catheterization.
Congenital anomalies of superior vena cava (SVC) are generally discovered incidentally during central venous catheter (CVC) insertion, pacemaker electrode placement, and cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. Persistent left SVC (PLSVC) is a rare (0.3%) anomaly in healthy subjects, usually asymptomatic, but when present and undiagnosed, it may be associated with difficulties and complications of CVC placement. ⋯ To improve knowledge of this rare but potentially dangerous condition, we describe the embryological origin of SVC, its normal anatomy, and possible congenital anomalies of the venous system and of the heart, including the presence of a right to left cardiac shunt. Diagnosis of PLSVC as well as the clinical complications and technical impact of SVC congenital anomalies for CVC placement are emphasized.