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Published on: June 2, 2015
Reduction of peripherally inserted central catheter-associated DVT
R Scott Evans1, Jamie H Sharp2, Lorraine H Linford2
1Medical Informatics, Intermountain Healthcare, Salt Lake City, UT; Biomedical Informatics, Salt Lake City, UT.
Insights
Reducing peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) diameter and lumens significantly decreased upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT) rates. This strategy lowered PICC-associated DVT by 1.9% compared to previous rates.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Interventional Radiology
- Medical Device Safety
Background:
- Increasing use of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) correlates with a rise in upper extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
- PICC diameter is a critical, modifiable risk factor for PICC-associated DVT.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the impact of reducing PICC diameter and lumen number on DVT rates.
- To assess the effectiveness of an interdisciplinary approach to PICC selection.
Main Methods:
- A 3-year prospective observational study at a level I trauma center.
- Implementation of an intensified PICC team effort in 2010 focusing on lumen necessity and smaller diameter (5F triple-lumen) PICCs.
- Consistent and replicable PICC insertion approach by a certified team.
Main Results:
- The use of 4F single-lumen PICCs increased significantly in 2010.
- PICC-associated DVT rates were lower in 2010 (1.9%) compared to 2008-2009 (3.0%), a statistically significant decrease (P < .04).
- Rates with 5F triple-lumen PICCs were comparable to 5F double-lumen and lower than 6F triple-lumen catheters.
Conclusions:
- Adoption of smaller diameter PICCs and increased use of single-lumen catheters significantly reduced PICC-associated DVT rates.
- Interdisciplinary consensus on PICC selection and lumen use is effective in mitigating DVT risk.
- This strategy offers a significant improvement in patient safety and potential cost savings.
Background:
As peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) use has increased, so has the upper extremity DVT rate. PICC diameter may pose the most modifiable risk for PICC-associated DVT.
Methods:
A 3-year, prospective, observational study of all PICC insertions by a specially trained and certified team using a consistent and replicable approach was conducted at a 456-bed, level I trauma and tertiary referral hospital during January 1, 2008, through December 31, 2010. An intensified effort by the PICC team in 2010 was introduced to discuss and reach interdisciplinary consensus on the need for each lumen of the PICC and a change to smaller diameter 5F triple-lumen PICC.
Results:
Significantly more 4F single-lumen PICCs were used during 2010 (n = 470) compared with 2008 and 2009 (n = 338, 382; P < .0001). DVT rates were similar with the use of 5F triple-lumen PICCs in 2010 as 5F double-lumen PICCs and lower rates than 6F triple-lumen catheters used in 2008 and 2009. The PICC-associated DVT rate was significantly lower (1.9% vs 3.0%, P < .04) in 2010 compared with 2008 and 2009. The cost and length of stay attributable to PICC-associated DVT were $15,973 and 4.6 days.
Conclusions:
A significant increase in the use of single-lumen PICCs in addition to the institutional adoption of smaller 5F triple-lumen PICCs was associated with a significant decrease in the rate of PICC-associated DVT.
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