Too many patients attend the Oncology Day Hospital (ODH) services to receive their chemotherapy treatment. In an environment with a significant healthcare burden, nurses are also exposed to the danger of cytostatic drugs used in cancer treatments…
A platform for clinicians to share and increase knowledge about topical, innovative issues in Vascular Access & Infusion Therapies with the aim of ensuring safe patient-centered IV practices.
VascuFirst is a Vygon initiative.
The Seldinger technique: when to use the classical or modified method
The evolution of the Seldinger technique since its development in the 1950s has allowed this method to be used with other types of vascular access devices and in fields outside of interventional radiology…
Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs): The key principles
Although Vascular Access Devices (VAD) have many advantages, the burden of harm associated with them is significant. It is now accepted that the presence of any VAD immediately places patients at risk of complications…
Midline catheter: placement and maintenance protocol
The midline catheter growth has been exponential since it is a resource that allows a notable improvement in the management of vascular access for medium-term treatments compatible with peripheral perfusion…
The use of the ZIM Method and tunnelling in PICC placement
The performance of a Vascular Access Device (VAD) can be predicted based on four criteria: tip position, insertion technique, cannulated vein and exit site.
Administration of antineoplastic drugs: a safety issue
The increasing use of infusion pumps for chemotherapy treatments means that they must be used with hazardous drugs (e.g. 5-fluorouracil), which poses a risk of exposure for workers, patients and caregivers during the filling, handling, administration and removal of this type of device.
Combining aesthetics and feasibility in PICC-port placement
The clinical study on breast cancer patients has reported a very low incidence of PICC-port failure (2.6%), similar to the figures reported for chest-ports. Therefore, PICC-ports are safe, and their use is recommended when chest ports are not an option.
Prevention of complications in PICCs: how to prevent obstruction
Maintenance of PICCs requires a set of washing and sealing procedures. However, what should be done if a PICC catheter is obstructed despite applying the protocols correctly?
A safe axillary-subclavian venous access
The subclavian vein puncture, area of the axillary-subclavian junction, is known for its possible complications such as pinch-off syndrome and pneumothorax. These are perfectly avoidable when the puncture is performed under ultrasound monitoring.
Peripheral vascular access of elderly patients: what are the available options?
In this article, we will see what the impact of elderly patients is on hospitals and how peripheral vascular access can be managed when such patients require intravenous treatment.
Combining aesthetics and feasibility in chest port placement
How can I achieve a skillful and aesthetically pleasing chest port placement? To answer this question, I will explain how I place chest ports using the jugular then the subclavian vein. Â
Acute Vascular Injuries during CICC placements
Central venous catheterization (CVC) is a technique commonly used to obtain short and long-term vascular access. There are many potential risks associated with CVC insertion and that can lead to vascular injuries.