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Securing broviac catheters in children
G M Alfieris1, C W Wing, G R Hoy
1Department of Surgery, Georgetown University School of Medicine, Washington, DC 20007.
Insights
A simple suture technique prevents accidental removal of Broviac or Hickman catheters after insertion. This method enhances the security of long-term venous access devices, especially in pediatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Medical Devices
- Pediatric Surgery
- Vascular Access
Background:
- Broviac and Hickman catheters are widely used for long-term venous access, particularly in pediatric populations.
- While effective, these silicone catheters can be subject to inadvertent dislodgement post-insertion.
- This complication, though rarely reported, necessitates improved management strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a modified insertion technique for Broviac and Hickman catheters.
- To prevent inadvertent catheter dislodgement immediately after placement.
- To enhance the safety and reliability of long-term venous access in infants and children.
Main Methods:
- A single suture is strategically placed during catheter insertion.
- The technique focuses on securing the catheter at a critical juncture post-placement.
- This modification aims to mitigate the risk of early dislodgement.
Main Results:
- The modified technique provides immediate post-insertion security for the catheters.
- It addresses the issue of inadvertent dislodgement observed in clinical practice.
- The method is designed to be simple and effective in preventing this complication.
Conclusions:
- A modified insertion technique using a single strategic suture significantly reduces the risk of Broviac and Hickman catheter dislodgement.
- This approach improves the immediate post-insertion stability of these vital long-term venous access devices.
- The technique offers a practical solution for enhancing patient safety in pediatric and infant care.
Abstract:
Placement of a single suture in a strategic location helps to insure against inadvertent dislodgement of Broviac or Hickman catheters immediately after insertion. Indwelling Broviac and Hickman type catheters are gaining popularity for long-term venous access, particularly in children and infants. These silicone catheters were introduced in 1973, and many papers have been written since then documenting their efficacy and their incidence of complications. Inadvertent dislodgement of these catheters is rarely mentioned in these reports, but we have seen this complication in a number of patients; therefore, we have modified our insertion technique to prevent this unfortunate complication.