Evaluating Performance With the Use of a Novel All-in-One Acute Central Venous Catheter Insertion System

Challenges with the acute central venous catheter (ACVC) insertion procedure can introduce potential delays in treatment, clinician stress, and an increase in clinical risk. A novel all-in-one insertion system may improve efficiency by decreasing procedure steps, reducing procedural challenges, and lowering the risk of some insertion-related complications.

The primary objective of this study was to quantify the difference in total procedure time when comparing insertion of a novel all-in-one ACVC insertion system and a traditional ACVC among less experienced placers. Secondary objectives were to investigate the frequency of common procedural challenges, especially guidewire kinking, and to evaluate differences in kit and component usage.

A prospective, randomized crossover simulation study was conducted at a Medical Simulation Center. Fifty participants each placed one traditional and one novel ACVC insertion system, in randomized order, in simulated patient mannequins.

The novel insertion system had a shorter total procedure time (mean difference 2.58 min, [SD ± 4.757]) when compared with a traditional ACVC (p = 0.0005). Guidewire kinking was observed across 0/49 (0%) novel insertion system placements, whereas the traditional ACVC had a significantly higher number of occurrences in 9/49 (18.4%) placements (p = 0.0039).

In a simulated environment, the novel insertion system reduced total procedure time and procedural challenges, particularly guidewire kinking, which may aid in prevention of guidewire complications when compared with a traditional ACVC.