Umbilical vascular catheters (UVCs and UACs) are vital in neonatal intensive care, providing access for fluid, nutrition, and medication delivery. However, these catheters are also associated with a range of adverse events (AEs), including infection, thrombosis, and dislodgement. A recent study aimed to develop a clinical risk prediction model to better identify neonates at higher risk of complications from these catheters.Study Overview
Using retrospective data from a South Australian NICU ...

Midline catheters are gaining interest as a safer alternative to peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) in pediatric patients who require medium-term intravenous therapy. However, robust evidence comparing the two devices in children is still limited. A recent randomized feasibility trial explored whether a full-scale study comparing midline catheters and PICCs in hospitalized children is possible—and what early outcomes tell us.Study Overview
This single-site study enrolled child...

Securing reliable vascular access in neonates is complex and often challenging. A recent pre–post intervention study examined whether incorporating near-infrared (NIR) huddles—a structured team discussion using infrared imaging—could improve first-attempt PIVC insertion success in neonates.Study Overview
Conducted over five months at a neonatal unit in Australia, this study reviewed data from 248 neonates and 370 cannulations across three phases: baseline, education, and intervention. ...

Peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) insertion is a routine yet frequently challenging procedure, particularly in patients with difficult intravenous access (DIVA). Infrared (IR) vein visualization devices have been introduced to assist clinicians by improving vein detection and cannulation success. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effectiveness of IR devices compared to the traditional palpation technique.Study Overview
Drawing from five randomized controlled trials i...

Peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) insertion is a routine but often challenging procedure, especially for patients with difficult venous access (DIVA). Traditional methods frequently result in multiple failed attempts, pain, and distress. This study explores patient experiences with ultrasound-guided PIVC insertion, comparing it to traditional techniques.Study Overview
Researchers conducted a qualitative study at a 980-bed Australian metropolitan hospital, interviewing 13 patients who re...

Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) are widely used in both adult and pediatric patients, but complications like infections, thrombosis, and occlusions remain a concern. A recent randomized controlled trial compared different catheter materials to determine whether new technologies could reduce PICC failure rates.Study Overview
The trial included 1,098 patients across three Australian hospitals, randomly assigned to receive one of three types of PICCs:Hydrophobic PICC
Chlorhexid...

Selecting the appropriate vascular access device is crucial for effective patient care and treatment outcomes…Continue Reading:  https://www.icumed.com/about-us/clinical-connections/vascular-access/paths-to-precision-device-decisions/ *. ICU Medical has provided grant funding to AVATAR...

Neonates requiring multiple peripheral intravenous catheter (PIVC) insertions face high failure rates and increased discomfort. A recent study examined 19 neonates in an Australian NICU, revealing key challenges in neonatal vascular access.Key Findings
Low birth weight neonates (median 728g) needed frequent PIVC insertions.
57% of PIVCs failed, mainly due to infiltration, occlusion, and dislodgement.
Median dwell time: 49 hours, with 58% of failed catheters requiring reinsertion.
Hand (41...

Gaining vascular access is the critical first step in ensuring that medication is delivered as prescribed, but keeping that access reliable throughout treatment is equally critical…Continue Reading: https://www.icumed.com/about-us/clinical-connections/vascular-access/placement-precision-where-to-start/*  ICU Medical has provided grant funding to AVATAR...

Central venous access devices (CVADs) are essential for delivering medications, fluids, and monitoring patients in hospital settings. However, CVAD failure remains a significant challenge, leading to infections, complications, and increased healthcare costs. A recent multivariable analysis of 1,892 CVADs sheds light on the key risk factors associated with device failure and highlights areas for improvement in vascular access care. Study Overview
This study analyzed data from hospitalized adu...