Comparative study of peripherally inserted central venous catheters and traditional central catheter in surgical patients

To compare the feasibility, complications, mid and long term advantages of peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICC) and traditional central venous catheter (CVC) access assisted with X ray image Methods From 1997 to 1998, we conducted a study including 60 patients placed PICC lines and 60 patients placed CVC lines Study variables included tip sites and complication rates Results The result of the study assisted with X ray image showed that 95% of total PICC placements was successful in surgical patients The mean duration for PICC catheters placed before removal was 13 days (6-98 days) and fifty three catheters (88 3%) were removed following completion of therapy The total occlusion rate was 6 7% (4/60), and occlusion rate in 3 Fr (20 gauge) catheters (3/20, 15%) was higher than in 4 Fr (18 gauge) catheters (1/20, 5%). Phlebitis occurred in 5% of patients(3/60) and one catheter fracture happened on the catheter hub junction (1 7%) The catheter tip dislocation occurred in 3 cases with PICC (3/60, 5%) and was moved to the optional position assisted with X ray image In CVC group, the total successful placement was 88% and the mean duration was 14 days(7 104 days) Pneumothorax happened in 1 case (1 7%) The catheters were withdrawn in 4 catheter dislocation cases No catheter related sepsis and hemopneumothorax happened in both two groups Conclusions PICC assisted with X ray image has advantages of less trauma and accurate localization, which could avoided many severe complications of central venous access such as pnemothorax The new method provides a reliable and effective venous access that could satisfy mid and long term treatment in the patients receiving a variety of solutions, primarily parenteral nutrition, chemotherapy or antibiotic infusion