Power injectable peripherally inserted central venous catheter lines frequently flip after power injection of...

To determine the frequency of power injectable peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PIPICC) displacement after contrast injection for computed tomography.

We included all patients who had a computed tomographic examination with contrast administration via PIPICC over a 4-month period. Several variables including catheter location before and after the injection were documented. Descriptive statistics were used for continuous variables. The χ² test was used to compare groups. Continuous variables were analyzed using the Student t test.

Among 78 injections in 67 patients (34 men and 33 women; median age, 49 years), there were 12 catheter displacements (15.4%): 5 (62.5%) of 8 catheters initially located proximal to the tracheobronquial angle (TBA) and 7 (10.14%) of 69 catheters initially located distal to the TBA. The initial catheter position before the injection correlated with the frequency of displacement significantly (P < 0.006). Contrast injection rate and amount of contrast were no risk factors for position change. There were no complications.

Catheter displacement occurred in 62.5%, with PIPICCS cephalad to the TBA. A preliminary scout view should be checked before the contrast injection. In addition, a postinjection scan scout view is recommended to verify catheter position.