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…
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.
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.
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.
The routes of vascular access device infections
The need for vascular access to administer intravenous medicines and fluids is an essential part of healthcare delivery in acutely ill patients. It is suggested that most patients admitted to acute hospitals will have at least one vascular access device (VAD) inserted during their hospital stay.
PICC placement in patients with Atrial Fibrillation
Since the late 1980s, Dr Pittiruti and Dr LaGreca of the Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli in Rome have been researching the possibility of using ECG to locate the tip of a PICC. In 1989, they studied the feasibility of analysing the TQ segment to use this system in patients with atrial fibrillation.