In one hospital in southern Georgia, the review and analysis of 500 peripherally inserted central catheter procedural attempts by designated, specialty nurses using microintroducer technique and ultrasound guidance revealed an overall catheter placement success rate of 94.6%. This research analysis also provided information on the disposition of those 6-French dual-lumen and triple-lumen, power-injectable peripherally inserted central catheters actually placed in situ on subjects who remained hospitalized or within the hospital's rehabilitation facility. Of the 422 catheters removed, none exhibited signs or symptoms of mechanical phlebitis, and one tested positive per laboratory analysis for organisms confirming infection.
Ultrasound-guided placement of peripherally inserted central catheters has been well documented for adults who require infusion therapy. This same technology is surfacing in the pediatric population to improve outcomes when confronted with the challenges of the smaller vascular system and chubbier body shapes. The scope of practice is addressed in coupling peripherally inserted central catheters with ultrasound imaging, and recommendations are identified for the advancement of nursing practice within the field of imaging technology and application. Obstacles related to successful insertion of peripherally inserted central catheters are defined, and the benefits of ultrasound-guided placement of peripherally inserted central catheters are reviewed.
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