Safety and feasibility of the paediatric post-cardiac catheterisation Wrap: a pilot study

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Cardiology
• Medical Device Innovation
• Patient Safety

Background:

• Cardiac catheterisation is a common procedure in paediatric patients.
• Immobilisation post-procedure is crucial to prevent complications like bleeding.
• Current methods of immobilisation may be suboptimal for patient comfort and provider efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the feasibility and safety of the paediatric post-cardiac catheterisation Wrap (Wrap).
• To assess the Wrap's impact on provider satisfaction and ease of use.
• To evaluate parent satisfaction and the frequency of adverse events associated with the Wrap.

Main Methods:

• A pilot study was conducted at Boston Children's Hospital Cardiac Catheterization Lab.
• 20 paediatric patients (ages 1-5 years, 3-25 kg) were enrolled.
• Data collected using investigator-developed tools measured feasibility, provider/parent satisfaction, and adverse events, including rebleeding.

Main Results:

• The Wrap demonstrated feasibility and safety in paediatric patients post-cardiac catheterisation.
• Nurse providers reported increased satisfaction due to improved visualisation of groin access sites and reduced need for hands-on care.
• Parents reported increased satisfaction, enabled by the ability to hold and comfort their child during bed rest.

Conclusions:

• The Wrap is a safe alternative to traditional swaddling with bath blankets for post-cardiac catheterisation care.
• Further research is recommended to evaluate the Wrap's efficacy in reducing rebleeding events.
• Exploration of the Wrap's clinical utility beyond the Cardiac Catheterization Lab is warranted.