Patterns and Predictors of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter Occlusion: The 3P-O Study

Area of Science:

• Vascular Access Devices
• Patient Safety
• Clinical Complications

Background:

• Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are widely used for long-term intravenous access.
• PICC-related occlusion is a common complication, potentially leading to catheter dysfunction and increased healthcare costs.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify patterns and predictors of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC)-related occlusion.
• To inform strategies for reducing PICC occlusion in clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• A multihospital study analyzed data from 14,278 PICCs in 13,408 patients.
• Mixed-effects logistic regression was employed to identify factors associated with PICC occlusion.
• Occlusion was defined by medical record documentation or tissue plasminogen activator administration.

Main Results:

• PICC occlusion occurred in 12% of cases (1,716 out of 14,278).
• Factors associated with reduced occlusion included placement in the right arm and verified catheter tip position.
• Double and triple lumen PICCs, and catheter tip malposition, were associated with increased occlusion risk.

Conclusions:

• Patient, provider, and device characteristics significantly influence PICC occlusion.
• Targeted interventions addressing these identified factors hold promise for mitigating PICC occlusion complications.