The journal of vascular access
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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.
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Randomized Controlled Trial Comparative Study
A prospective, randomized comparison of three different types of valved and non-valved peripherally inserted central catheters.
Few randomized studies have investigated the impact of valved and non-valved power-injectable peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in terms of incidence of occlusion, infection, malfunction and venous thrombosis. ⋯ We found no clinical advantages of valved vs. non-valved PICCs.
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Letter Comparative Study
Central venous catheter-related complications in acute myeloid leukemia patients.
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Survey of intravascular catheter management is an essential step in the control and prevention of catheter-related infection. In recent years, most surveillance studies only included catheters from intensive care units (ICUs). Data regarding the level of care and adherence to international guidelines in a whole general institution are scarce. Our objective was to evaluate the care situation of intravascular catheters in our adult units of a General Hospital. ⋯ A rapid survey of the care situation of intravascular catheters is feasible and easy to do with our methodology. The data show great opportunity for improvement, mainly in the non-ICU areas.