PERIPHERALLY INSERTED CENTRAL CATHETERS IN ORTHOPEDIC PATIENTS: EXPERIENCE FROM 1023 PROCEDURES

Area of Science:

• Vascular Access Devices
• Intravenous Therapy
• Medical Device Safety

Background:

• Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are crucial for intravenous therapy in hospitalized patients.
• This study focuses on PICC utilization within orthopedic care.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the use and outcomes of PICCs at a major orthopedic institute over a decade.
• To assess the safety and efficacy of PICCs in orthopedic patients.

Main Methods:

• Retrospective analysis of 1,057 medical records, with 1,023 included for complete data.
• Data collected included vein punctured, diagnosis, catheterization duration, complications, and tip positioning.

Main Results:

• 70.4% of PICCs were successfully positioned, with a mean dwell time of 34.3 days.
• The basilic vein was the most common insertion site (51.6%).
• 84.6% of patients completed treatment with the PICC in situ; no catheter-related thrombosis or infection occurred.

Conclusions:

• PICCs are a safe and effective option for medium- to long-term intravenous therapy in orthopedic patients.
• Successful utilization of PICCs extends to both hospitalized and discharged patients.