Abstract

Purpose
The aim of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of ultrasound guided placement of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) by an intensivist.Methods: This is a retrospective case series study. The sampling frame included patients who underwent ultrasound guided PICC by an intensivist from July 1, 2013 to March 31, 2014. The basic characteristics including age, sex, purpose of PICC, laboratory coagulation findings, and the data related to the PICC including catheter tip location, success or failure, and com-plications were determined by a review of medical records.  Results: From the 11-month sampling timeframe, 47 patients were included in the analysis. The purpose of PICC insertion was poor vein status in 44.7% and parenteral nutrition in 21.3%. The mean procedure duration was 51.0±22.4 min. Thirty-five attempts (74.5%) were initially successful. Four tips were malpositioned and four attempts failed. All eight attempts were successful on the second attempt. PICC insertion was successful in 91.5% of cases. The mean distance from right atrium and tip was 3.5±2.4 cm and the location of tip performed late period was more accurate than early period insertion.Conclusion: Ultrasound guided placement of PICC by an intensivist showed high success rate and less malposition rate. We conclude that the PICC performed by an intensivist may be feasible to perform in critically ill patients. (J Acute Care Surg 2014;4:13-17)

• Keywords: Central venous catheters, Critical illness, Specialization, Ultrasonography