Accessing veins for medical procedures can be tricky, especially for patients with tough veins. Using ultrasound to guide the insertion of intravenous catheters is recommended in such cases. However, traditional ultrasound machines are often bulky, expensive, and only found in specialized departments, creating a challenge for wider adoption. That's where compact, affordable handheld ultrasound devices could play a role in revolutionising vascular access at the bedside. A recent review lo...

Bonjour! My name is Rebecca Drugeon, I’m from France, and I've come to Brisbane for 1 year with my husband, Bertrand, and our 6-month-old baby, Ava. We are currently living an incredible experience, both professionally and personally. Bertrand is an emergency physician at Poitiers University Hospital with a strong passion for improving the prevention of complications and management of PIVCs. He’s actually a PhD student in France; it’s his first year in doctoral school...

In intensive care units (ICUs), optimizing blood use is paramount. Frequent blood sampling, while necessary, can lead to waste and complications. Recently, a study scrutinized blood conservation strategies in ICUs. Here's a streamlined summary: Objective: Assess and synthesize evidence on ICU blood conservation strategies. Review Method: Rigorous Cochrane systematic review methods with meta-analysis and independent reviewers. Data Sources: Searched Medline, CINAHL, PUBMED, and EMBAS...

Dear Colleague, You're invited to participate in a brief electronic survey focusing on haemodialysis catheter (Vascath) care in the ICU. This survey is crucial for understanding bedside maintenance practices and shaping future research priorities. Why Participate:
Haemodialysis catheters are vital for critically ill patients, but complications like occlusion and infection are common. Your input can help prevent harm, reduce costs, and improve patient outcomes. What We Ask: - The surve...

Introduction: Peripheral intravenous catheters (PIVCs) play a crucial role in modern healthcare, providing a gateway for administering medications and fluids. However, a recent systematic review and meta-analysis sheds light on the often-overlooked complications associated with PIVCs. In this blog post, we will explore the key findings of their study and delve into the implications for healthcare practitioners and patients alike. Understanding the Scope of the Issue: The researchers conduc...

Introduction Peripheral Intravenous Catheters (PIVCs) play a crucial role in healthcare, facilitating intravenous treatments for patients. However, common issues such as insertion failure and complications can adversely affect patient outcomes and experiences. This study aimed to evaluate the suitability of generic quality of life and experience measures in assessing the experiences of patients with PIVCs. Background PIVCs are widely used in healthcare, with two-thirds of patients in terti...

Vascular Access Terminology Common language facilitates communication between professional and organisations, the translation of evidence into clinical practice, data sharing, and research.  The Cancer Nurses Society of Australia (CNSA), eviQ and eviQ Education are leading vascular access management and education in cancer care in Australia utilizing common, contemporary terminology. Click here to read more: https://www.cnsa.org.au/practiceresources/vascular-access-guidelines ...

Introduction:

Vascular access devices (VADs) play a crucial role in managing acute and chronic medical conditions. However, they are often associated with risks such as bleeding and infections. This study evaluated the antimicrobial potential of the potassium ferrate haemostatic disc as an alternative to traditional methods.

Aim:

The aim was to assess the effectiveness of the potassium ferrate disc against Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus), Gram-negative (Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudom...

Mark your calendars for a groundbreaking event in the world of patient-focused cancer care! On March 19, 2024, join us online for the official launch of the second topic in the CNSA Vascular Access Clinical Practice Guidelines: Vessel Health and Preservation. Event Highlights: In 2021, the initial topic of the CNSA Vascular Access Clinical Practice Guidelines addressed patency, occlusion prevention, and management, sparking positive changes across healthcare settings. Now, we're thrille...

AVATAR is thrilled to highlight an upcoming event that our colleagues across the ditch are organizing – the IVNNZ Conference in March 2024! Set against the backdrop of beautiful Wellington, this conference promises to be an exceptional experience. Featuring a stellar lineup of world-class speakers, including AVATAR legend Dr. Evan Alexandrou, this event is not to be missed. Here's a brief glimpse of what's in store: Date: March 22-23, 2024
Location: The James Cook Hotel Grand ...