Influence and efficacy of Catheter to Vein Ratios (CtVR) on the incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) for Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs).

Ms Megan Nicholas¹, Mr Peter Groom¹

¹Metro North Hhs- Rbwh, Herston, Australia

Background

Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs) are inserted for treatments requiring central venous access. Innovative technology has been developing over the years to include ultrasound guidance for the cannulation of the vein and Electrocardiogram (ECG) technology to track the tip of the PICC into optimal position at the superior venous cava/right atrial junction (SVC/RAJ). Additionally, innovative technology includes a catheter-to-vein-ratio (CtVR) tool that enables the proceduralist to determine the percentage of vein diameter that the catheter would inhabit. Studies have demonstrated that patients with CtVR >45% were 13 times more likely to develop deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

In September 2017, at the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, the Infectious Diseases Day Therapy Unit introduced the innovative technology and adopted the CtVR directive (≤45%) to align with best practice. A database of PICC insertion data has been collected and reason for removal documented for 2 years prior and 2 years post the introduction of the ultrasound equipment with  CtVR  technology. The objective of this research is to determine the efficacy and influence of ultrasound-with CtVR  technology; on DVT rates with a comparison to previous practices.

Methods

The research format will be a retrospective comparative data analysis. This will be achieved through the collation and comparison of data collected from the database 2 years prior and 2 years following the introduction of technology with the CtVR component. Comparison of the rate of incidence for DVTs between the two groups will be reported and analyzed.

Results- TBA

Conclusion -TBA

Biography:

Megan has worked in Infectious Diseases unit at RBWH for 25 years. Whilst employed in the unit she has taken a keen interest in vessel health preservation. She endeavours to provide a patient centered approach that is based on best practices through research and education. She is an accomplished VAD Proceduralist with 20 years experience and a recent author in JAVA.

Peter has worked for 30 years- 20 years in Infectious Diseases unit as a PICC proceduralist and Clinical Nurse and currently is the Nurse Unit Manager. He is dynamic in his leadership- encouraging learning, research and innovative practices.