Ipsilateral ultrasound-monitoring technique for reducing malpositions of peripherally inserted central catheters in the intensive care unit.

BACKGROUND

We performed ultrasonographic examinations of the ipsilateral internal jugular vein after placement of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) and found that more than half of malpositions of PICC went to the head through the ipsilateral internal jugular vein. We aimed to reduce malpositions of PICCs in settings where fluoroscopy is not available.

METHODS

This retrospective study had a case-control, single-center study design. From January to June 2018, PICCs were inserted with the patient's arm abducted without the use of ultrasonography to identify the presence of the PICC in the ipsilateral internal jugular vein (procedure A). From July to December 2018, PICCs were inserted in a similar fashion; however, ultrasonography was employed to detect the catheter tip in the ipsilateral internal jugular vein (procedure B).

RESULTS

There were 794 placements of PICCs in 650 patients. Procedures A and B were performed in 418 and 376 patients, respectively. Malpositioning of PICC tips occurred significantly less often in procedure B than in procedure A (2.4% vs. 5.7%, P=0.02).

CONCLUSIONS

In a setting without fluoroscopy, insertions of PICCs can be performed with the arm abducted at 90°. Ultrasound monitoring for the presence of the catheter in the ipsilateral internal jugular vein can help with correct positioning, thereby reducing the occurrence of catheter tip malpositions.