Technical success and safety of peripherally inserted central catheters in the great saphenous and anterior accessory great saphenous veins

Abstract

Background: Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) are occasionally placed in the great saphenous vein (GSV) and anterior accessory great saphenous vein (AAGSV) in patients with inadequate upper extremity veins or contraindications to upper extremity placement. Outcomes on the placement of PICCs in these veins are limited. Objectives: This study aimed to determine technical success and safety of GSV/AAGSV PICCs. Materials and methods: This is a retrospective study that reviewed all GSV/AAGSV PICC placements between January 2011 and December 2019. A total of 29 PICC placements procedures were identified. The electronic medical record was queried for demographic, procedural, and complication data. Technical success was defined by whether the vein could be accessed and a PICC could be placed. Catheter-associated infections, dislodgement or migration, malfunction, and PICC-associated thrombosis were recorded. Results: Technical success of placement was 100%. Twenty-one (72%) catheters were placed in the GSV in the mid to upper thigh and eight (28%) were placed in the AAGSV. The median PICC dwell time was 13 days with a range of 3–155 days. PICC-associated complications occurred after 11 (37.9%) placements. Line associated infection was the most common complication (17.2%). Conclusion: Due to a high complication rate, GSV/AAGSV PICC placement should be considered only when upper extremity or cervical PICC placement is not feasible or contraindicated.

Analysis of risk factors of PICC-related bloodstream infection in newborns: implications for nursing care

“…When the arms are perpendicular to the torso, basilic vein is the straightest and most direct way. The chances of mechanical phlebitis and ectopic catheterization are the lowest after puncture of the basilic vein, so the basilic vein should be the first choice [38,39]. Several previous studies [40][41][42] have pointed that the femoral vein catheterization is prone to blood embolism, thus femoral vein should be avoided for PICC insertion.…”

Catheterization of PICC through a superficial femoral vein for patients with superior vena cava syndrome using ECG positioning and ultrasound-guided technologies

“…They require long-term vascular access for irritant or corrosive drugs. 4 The femoral vein is located close to the groin and is not particularly clean. The femoral vein should not chosen as the puncture point since it is susceptible to infection.…”

“…The distance from umbilicus to xiphoid process was measured through the sacroiliac joint, and the length measured was the preset tube length. 4 After measuring 10 cm downward from the puncture point, a marking line was drawn, which is the tunnel direction. The thigh circumference of puncture point was also measured and recorded.…”