The authors are grateful to Nikki Sabourin-Gibbs, Rouen University Hospital, for her help in editing the manuscript. The authors would like to thank the communication department of Rouen University Hospital and the teams of the Medical Training Center for their participation in the video shoot.

1. Preparation of connectors and infusion lines
<ol>
	<li>Sterilely retrieve the connectors.</li>
	<li>On the 3-way extension stopcock, screw 1 connector into each socket of the stopcock and 1 connector into the end of the extension line. Take 0.9% NaCl with a 50 mL syringe to purge the extension and the lines. Purge each 3-way extension with 0.9% NaCl through the 2 connectors of the stopcock.</li>
	<li>Take the infusion manifold. Unscrew each single-use cap. Screw 1 connector into each socket of the manifold to replace the caps. Purge the infusion line through each connector by turning each stopcock sequentially. 
	NOTE: At the end of this step, there are 3 extensions with 3-way stopcock with purged connectors and an infusion manifold with purged connectors.</li>
</ol>
2. Placement of the catheter
<ol>
	<li>Place the central venous catheter sterilely according to usual practice in the unit or a previously described protocol9.</li>
	<li>Check the permeability of each line by aspiration of blood and then reinjection of 0.9% NaCl serum. Clamp the lines.</li>
</ol>
3. Installation of the connectors
<ol>
	<li>Screw the extension&#8217;s connector of each 3-way extension stopcock into each catheter line. These connectors, directly connected to the lines of the catheter, are the &#34;proximal connectors&#34;. Unclamp the lines.</li>
	<li>Connect the infusion manifold line to one of the connectors of the 3-way stopcock of the distal line. 
	NOTE: There is no need to place a vein guard on the manifold or extensions.</li>
</ol>
4. Use of connectors and infusion lines
<ol>
	<li>Before each infusion, disinfect the end of the connector for 3 s with a sterile compress soaked in 70% isopropyl alcohol. Connect the syringe or tubing directly to the connector by screwing and injecting. After injection or infusion, unscrew the device. Do not remove the connector.</li>
	<li>If needed, rinse an unused line with 3 mL of saline. There is no need to clamp or infuse an unused line with a vein guard. Leave the proximal valve in place even if the line is not perfused.</li>
</ol>
5. Replacement and maintenance of connectors and infusion lines
<ol>
	<li>Always change the connectors every 7 days except for the proximal connectors. Thus, every week, the nurse prepares the extensions with 3-way stopcock and the infusion manifold in sterile conditions (see step 1).</li>
	<li>Unscrew the used extensions at the proximal valve and screw the new sterile and purged extensions to the catheter on the proximal connector (see step 3).</li>
	<li>Only change a proximal connector if it is soiled (to maintain the catheter in a &#34;closed&#34;&#160;system).</li>
	<li>In case of macroscopic contamination, rinse the connector with 10 mL of 0.9% NaCl. If there is still contamination, replace the connector. In the event of transfusion, infusion of lipid solution (e.g. propofol) or parenteral nutrition, change the tubing and connectors of the line concerned every 24 hours.</li>
	<li>Change other infusion lines and tubing according to the practices and protocols of each unit.</li>
</ol>

<ol><li>Worth, L. J., McLaws, M. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Is+it+possible+to+achieve+a+target+of+zero+central+line+associated+bloodstream+infections%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Current+Opinion+in+Infectious+Diseases%22%5BJournal%5D)">Is it possible to achieve a target of zero central line associated bloodstream infections.</a> Current Opinion in Infectious Diseases. 25 (6), 650-657 (2012).</li>
<li>Kelly, L. J., Jones, T., Kirkham, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Needle-free+devices%3A+keeping+the+system+closed%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22British+Journal+of+Nursing+%28Mark+Allen+Publishing%29%22%5BJournal%5D)">Needle-free devices: keeping the system closed.</a> British Journal of Nursing (Mark Allen Publishing). 26 (2), 14-19 (2017).</li>
<li>Casey, A. L., Karpanen, T. J., Nightingale, P., Elliott, T. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((The+risk+of+microbial+contamination+associated+with+six+different+needle-free+connectors%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22British+Journal+of+Nursing+%28Mark+Allen+Publishing%29%22%5BJournal%5D)">The risk of microbial contamination associated with six different needle-free connectors.</a> British Journal of Nursing (Mark Allen Publishing). 27 (2), 18-26 (2018).</li>
<li>Salgado, C. D., Chinnes, L., Paczesny, T. H., Cantey, J. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Increased+rate+of+catheter-related+bloodstream+infection+associated+with+use+of+a+needleless+mechanical+valve+device+at+a+long-term+acute+care+hospital%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Infection+Control+and+Hospital+Epidemiology%22%5BJournal%5D)">Increased rate of catheter-related bloodstream infection associated with use of a needleless mechanical valve device at a long-term acute care hospital.</a> Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology. 28 (6), 684-688 (2007).</li>
<li>Jarvis, W. R. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Health+care-associated+bloodstream+infections+associated+with+negative-+or+positive-pressure+or+displacement+mechanical+valve+needleless+connectors%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Clinical+Infectious+Diseases%3A+An+Official+Publication+of+the+Infectious+Diseases+Society+of+America%22%5BJournal%5D)">Health care-associated bloodstream infections associated with negative- or positive-pressure or displacement mechanical valve needleless connectors.</a> Clinical Infectious Diseases: An Official Publication of the Infectious Diseases Society of America. 49 (12), 1821-1827 (2009).</li>
<li>Btaiche, I. F., Kovacevich, D. S., Khalidi, N., Papke, L. F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((The+effects+of+needleless+connectors+on+catheter-related+bloodstream+infections%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22American+Journal+of+Infection+Control%22%5BJournal%5D)">The effects of needleless connectors on catheter-related bloodstream infections.</a> American Journal of Infection Control. 39 (4), 277-283 (2011).</li>
<li>Chernecky, C., Waller, J. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Comparative+evaluation+of+five+needleless+intravenous+connectors%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Journal+of+Advanced+Nursing%22%5BJournal%5D)">Comparative evaluation of five needleless intravenous connectors.</a> Journal of Advanced Nursing. 67 (7), 1601-1613 (2011).</li>
<li>Infusion Resource Library - BD. 67 (7), Available from: 
 <a target="_blank" href="https://www.bd.com/en-us/offerings/capabilities/infusion/infusion-resource-library?contenttype=22_productline=115">https://www.bd.com/en-us/offerings/capabilities/infusion/infusion-resource-library?contenttype=22_productline=115</a> 1601-1613 (2019).</li>
<li>Kim, S. C., Klebach, C., Heinze, I., Hoeft, A., Baumgarten, G., Weber, S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((The+supraclavicular+fossa+ultrasound+view+for+central+venous+catheter+placement+and+catheter+change+over+guidewire%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Journal+of+Visualized+Experiments%22%5BJournal%5D)">The supraclavicular fossa ultrasound view for central venous catheter placement and catheter change over guidewire.</a> Journal of Visualized Experiments. (94), 52160(2014).</li>
<li>Clavier, T., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Impact+of+MaxZeroTM+needle-free+connector+on+the+incidence+of+central+venous+catheter-related+infections+in+surgical+intensive+care+unit%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Australian+Critical+Care%3A+Official+Journal+of+the+Confederation+of+Australian+Critical+Care+Nurses%22%5BJournal%5D)">Impact of MaxZeroTM needle-free connector on the incidence of central venous catheter-related infections in surgical intensive care unit.</a> Australian Critical Care: Official Journal of the Confederation of Australian Critical Care Nurses. , (2018).</li>
<li>Lehn, R. A., Gross, J. B., McIsaac, J. H., Gipson, K. E. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Needleless+connectors+substantially+reduce+flow+of+crystalloid+and+red+blood+cells+during+rapid+infusion%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Anesthesia+and+Analgesia%22%5BJournal%5D)">Needleless connectors substantially reduce flow of crystalloid and red blood cells during rapid infusion.</a> Anesthesia and Analgesia. 120 (4), 801-804 (2015).</li>
<li>Ferroni, A., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Pulsative+flushing+as+a+strategy+to+prevent+bacterial+colonization+of+vascular+access+devices%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Medical+Devices+%28Auckland%2C+N.Z%29%22%5BJournal%5D)">Pulsative flushing as a strategy to prevent bacterial colonization of vascular access devices.</a> Medical Devices (Auckland, N.Z). 7, 379-383 (2014).</li>
<li>Flynn, J. M., Keogh, S. J., Gavin, N. C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Sterile+v+aseptic+non-touch+technique+for+needle-less+connector+care+on+central+venous+access+devices+in+a+bone+marrow+transplant+population%3A+A+comparative+study%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22European+Journal+of+Oncology+Nursing%3A+The+Official+Journal+of+European+Oncology+Nursing+Society%22%5BJournal%5D)">Sterile v aseptic non-touch technique for needle-less connector care on central venous access devices in a bone marrow transplant population: A comparative study.</a> European Journal of Oncology Nursing: The Official Journal of European Oncology Nursing Society. 19 (6), 694-700 (2015).</li>
<li>Merrill, K. C., Sumner, S., Linford, L., Taylor, C., Macintosh, C. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Impact+of+universal+disinfectant+cap+implementation+on+central+line-associated+bloodstream+infections%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22American+Journal+of+Infection+Control%22%5BJournal%5D)">Impact of universal disinfectant cap implementation on central line-associated bloodstream infections.</a> American Journal of Infection Control. 42 (12), 1274-1277 (2014).</li>
<li>Mermel, L. A., Bert, A., Chapin, K. C., LeBlanc, L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Intraoperative+stopcock+and+manifold+colonization+of+newly+inserted+peripheral+intravenous+catheters%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Infection+Control+and+Hospital+Epidemiology%22%5BJournal%5D)">Intraoperative stopcock and manifold colonization of newly inserted peripheral intravenous catheters.</a> Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology. 35 (9), 1187-1189 (2014).</li>
<li>Rosenthal, V. D., Maki, D. G. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Prospective+study+of+the+impact+of+open+and+closed+infusion+systems+on+rates+of+central+venous+catheter-associated+bacteremia%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22American+Journal+of+Infection+Control%22%5BJournal%5D)">Prospective study of the impact of open and closed infusion systems on rates of central venous catheter-associated bacteremia.</a> American Journal of Infection Control. 32 (3), 135-141 (2004).</li>
<li>Bouza, E., et al. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((A+needleless+closed+system+device+%28CLAVE%29+protects+from+intravascular+catheter+tip+and+hub+colonization%3A+a+prospective+randomized+study%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22The+Journal+of+Hospital+Infection%22%5BJournal%5D)">A needleless closed system device (CLAVE) protects from intravascular catheter tip and hub colonization: a prospective randomized study.</a> The Journal of Hospital Infection. 54 (4), 279-287 (2003).</li>
<li>Tabak, Y. P., Jarvis, W. R., Sun, X., Crosby, C. T., Johannes, R. S. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Meta-analysis+on+central+line-associated+bloodstream+infections+associated+with+a+needleless+intravenous+connector+with+a+new+engineering+design%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22American+Journal+of+Infection+Control%22%5BJournal%5D)">Meta-analysis on central line-associated bloodstream infections associated with a needleless intravenous connector with a new engineering design.</a> American Journal of Infection Control. 42 (12), 1278-1284 (2014).</li>
<li>Wallace, M. C., Macy, D. L. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Reduction+of+Central+Line-Associated+Bloodstream+Infection+Rates+in+Patients+in+the+Adult+Intensive+Care+Unit%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Journal+of+Infusion+Nursing%3A+The+Official+Publication+of+the+Infusion+Nurses+Society%22%5BJournal%5D)">Reduction of Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection Rates in Patients in the Adult Intensive Care Unit.</a> Journal of Infusion Nursing: The Official Publication of the Infusion Nurses Society. 39 (1), 47-55 (2016).</li>
<li>Btaiche, I. F., Kovacevich, D. S., Khalidi, N., Papke, L. F. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((The+effects+of+needleless+connectors+on+catheter-related+thrombotic+occlusions%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Journal+of+Infusion+Nursing%3A+The+Official+Publication+of+the+Infusion+Nurses+Society%22%5BJournal%5D)">The effects of needleless connectors on catheter-related thrombotic occlusions.</a> Journal of Infusion Nursing: The Official Publication of the Infusion Nurses Society. 34 (2), 89-96 (2011).</li>
<li>Williams, A. <a target="_blank" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed?term=((Catheter+Occlusion+in+Home+Infusion%3A+The+Influence+of+Needleless+Connector+Design+on+Central+Catheter+Occlusion%5BTitle%5D)+AND+%22Journal+of+Infusion+Nursing%3A+The+Official+Publication+of+the+Infusion+Nurses+Society%22%5BJournal%5D)">Catheter Occlusion in Home Infusion: The Influence of Needleless Connector Design on Central Catheter Occlusion.</a> Journal of Infusion Nursing: The Official Publication of the Infusion Nurses Society. 41 (1), 52-57 (2018).</li>
</ol>

TC, PG and BV previously conducted a study on PPNC valves. BD provided the connectors for this previous work but had no role in the trial initiation, study design, data collection, data analysis, data interpretation, writing of the report, or the decision to submit. The other authors have nothing to disclose. The drafting of this protocol was formalized in 2013 with validation by Carefusion consultants.

Setting up the connectors slightly increases the total time required to place the catheter. However, their use has several advantages: no need to maintain a continuous saline perfusion for non-infused lines, rapid stopping of infusion of the lines if necessary (in case of urgent transport of the patient for example), no need to use single-use caps several times a day to close the infusion lines. The use of connectors simplifies the daily use of catheter infusion lines without any particular complications. It should be no...

Central venous catheter-related infections (CRI) are a severe complication of central venous catheters in intensive care unit (ICU). The decline in CRI remains an ever-present objective, with a final goal of &#34;zero catheter related infection&#34;1. Needle-free connectors were initially designed and promoted to avoid blood exposure for healthcare workers. There are two main designs of connectors: split septum (no internal moving parts) and closed valve systems (internal moving components) but both designs can be combined in one connector2. Needle-free connectors are categorized according to the type of fluid displacement that occurs after disconnection of a male Luer valve: negative (blood reflux into the catheter), neutral, and positive (with a push of blood out of the catheter lumen)2,3.
Some connectors have been described as a cause of catheter-related infections, in particular in the intensive care unit (ICU)4,5,6. A new generation of needle-free connectors with minimal internal complexity, a reduction or elimination of interstitial or dead space, a visible fluid path to help assess proper flushing technique, and a flat access surface, etc. has been designed to lower the risk of infection. In vitro, these connectors have shown low bacterial colonization7. There are global recommendations from the laboratory manufacturing these connectors; however, there is no practical description of how to install them on catheters8. Hence, it is possible that each team uses them differently. Therefore, we propose a formalized protocol for the installation of these connectors on central venous lines in the ICU.
We present the installation of a positive pressure needleless connector (PPNC) with an internal silicone piston in our ICU but this protocol is applicable with any positive displacement valve. This valve is a mechanical needle-free connector with positive displacement.

<table><tbody><tr><td>BD MaxZero&amp;trade;&amp;nbsp;needle-free connector</td><td>Becton Dickinson</td><td>MZ1000-07</td><td>we present the installation of the connector with MaxZero but this protocol is applicable with any positive displacement valve.</td></tr><tr><td>4-port mannifold with PE/PVC extension</td><td>Cair-LGL</td><td>RPB4310A</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>PE/PVC extension line with 3-way stopcock</td><td>Cair-LGL</td><td>PE3302M</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>NaCl 0.9% 250 ml</td><td>Baxter</td><td>2B1322</td><td></td></tr><tr><td>BD&amp;nbsp;Plastipak&amp;trade; 50mL Luer-Lock Syringe</td><td>BECTON DICKINSON MEDICAL</td><td>613-3925</td><td></td></tr></tbody></table>

a protocol to set up needle-free connector with positive displacement on central venous catheter in intensive care unit

Needle-free connectors were initially designed and promoted to avoid blood exposure for healthcare workers. Some recent data suggest that the latest generation of connectors (with positive displacement) may be of interest for reducing central venous line infections. We have been using needle-free connectors for several years in our intensive care unit and here we present a protocol for installing these connectors on central venous catheters. After insertion of the catheter and control of the permeability of the lines, the connectors must be purged with 0.9% NaCl before being connected. The connectors replace all disposable caps used on infusion stopcocks and manifolds. All the connectors are changed every 7 days as recommended by the manufacturer (except when there is macroscopic contamination, which requires an immediate change of the connector). Before each injection, the connector must be disinfected for at least 3 seconds with 70% isopropyl alcohol. The connectors must not be disconnected (unless changed), as the injection is done through the device. Setting up the connectors slightly increases the total time required to place the catheter and there is no formal evidence that these connectors reduce the incidence of infectious or thrombotic complications. However, these devices simplify the management of central venous lines and prevent the catheter circuit from &#34;opening&#34; once it has been sterilely installed.

Once all the elements are in place, the catheter has connectors on almost all the junctions between two infusion lines (Figure 1). Thus, it has proximal connectors on each line and two connectors on the sockets of the 3-way extensions (Figure 2). Each infusion line has connectors at all its female sockets (Figure 3). Once the assembly is in place, any injection or infusion (continuous or discontinuous) must be made, after disinfecti...

Watch this Scientific Journal Video about A Protocol to Set Up Needle-Free Connector with Positive Displacement on Central Venous Catheter in Intensive Care Unit at JoVE.com

A Protocol to Set Up Needle-Free Connector with Positive Displacement on Central Venous Catheter in Intensive Care Unit

We present a protocol to show the installation of a needle-free connector with positive displacement on a central venous catheter.

Needle-free connectors were initially designed and promoted to avoid blood exposure for healthcare workers. Some recent data suggest that the latest ...

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12.9K Views.  Rouen University Hospital. We present a protocol to show the installation of a needle-free connector with positive displacement on a central venous catheter.

Video: A Protocol to Set Up Needle-Free Connector with Positive Displacement on Central Venous Catheter in Intensive Care Unit

The Supraclavicular Fossa Ultrasound View for Central Venous Catheter Placement and Catheter Change Over Guidewire

The supraclavicular fossa ultrasound view can be useful for central venous catheter (CVC) placement. Venipuncture of the internal jugular veins (IJV) or subclavian veins is performed with a micro-convex ultrasound probe, using a neonatal abdominal preset with a probe frequency of 10 Mhz at a depth of 10-12 cm. Following insertion of the guidewire into the vein, the probe is shifted to the right supraclavicular fossa to obtain a view of the superior vena cava (SVC), right pulmonary artery and ascending aorta. Under real-time ultrasound view, the guidewire and its J-tip is visualized and pushed forward to the lower SVC. Insertion depth is read from guidewire marks using central venous catheter. CVC is then inserted following skin and venous dilation. The supraclavicular fossa view is most suitable for right IJV CVC insertion. If other insertion sites are chosen the right supraclavicular fossa should be within the sterile field. Scanning of the IJVs, brachiocephalic veins and SVC can reveal significant thrombosis before venipuncture. Misplaced CVCs can be corrected with a change over guidewire technique under real-time ultrasound guidance. In conjunction with a diagnostic lung ultrasound scan, this technique has a potential to replace chest radiograph for confirmation of CVC tip position and exclusion of pneumothorax. Moreover, this view is of advantage in patients with a non-p-wave cardiac rhythm were an intra-cardiac electrocardiography (ECG) is not feasible for CVC tip position confirmation. Limitations of the method are lack of availability of a micro-convex probe and the need for training.

The overall goal is to enable clinicians to insert a central venous catheter under real-time ultrasound guidance via the right supraclavicular fossa view of the lower part of the superior vena cava. This view is useful for different catheter insertion sites, thrombosis detection before insertion and ultrasound guided correction of misplaced catheters.

The supraclavicular fossa ultrasound view can be useful for central venous catheter (CVC) placement. Venipuncture of the internal jugular veins (IJV) or ...

Insertion, Maintenance, and Removal of the Percutaneous Dual Lumen Cannula Right Ventricular Assist Device

Right ventricular (RV) shock, classically characterized by elevated central venous pressure (CVP) with&#160;normal to low pulmonary artery (PA) and pulmonary capillary wedge pressures (PCWP),&#160;remains a significant cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide if left untreated.&#160;Therapies for the treatment of RV shock range&#160;from medical management to durable or percutaneous mechanical circulatory support (MCS). A unique MCS device, a percutaneous right ventricular assist device (pRVAD), approved for use by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2014, works by temporarily off-loading the RV through a single, dual lumen catheter with extracorporeal mechanical support and is capable of shunting blood from the right atrium (RA) to the main PA. Although initially approved as venous-venous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VV-ECMO) device, this work will focus on the use of RV support, as ambulatory VV-ECMO strategies have been described previously. The catheter is most commonly inserted through the right internal jugular (IJ) vein into the PA and connected to an external pump, allowing flow up to 5 L/min. This device may be an attractive choice for the treatment of RV shock due to its percutaneous, minimally invasive insertion and removal and its ability to allow patient ambulation while the device is in place. This protocol discusses in detail the equipment, hemodynamic effects, indications, contraindications, complications, currently available research in the literature, and step-by-step instructions on how to implant, manage, and extract the device, along with the guidance on use and troubleshooting complications from one of the largest, single-center experiences with the device.

The present protocol provides a detailed description of a percutaneous dual lumen right ventricular assist device and illustrates step-by-step instructions on the safe implanting, managing, and removing the device. Guidance on its use and troubleshooting complications from one of the most significant single-center experiences is also included.

Right ventricular (RV) shock, classically characterized by elevated central venous pressure (CVP) with&#160;normal to low pulmonary artery (PA) and ...

Hickman Catheter for Long-Term Vascular Access in Swine

Hickman Catheter Use for Long-Term Vascular Access in a Preclinical Swine Model

Central venous catheters (CVCs) are invaluable devices in large animal research as they facilitate a wide range of medical applications, including blood monitoring and reliable intravenous fluid and drug administration. Specifically, the tunneled multi-lumen Hickman catheter (HC) is commonly used in swine models due to its lower extrication and complication rates. Despite fewer complications relative to other CVCs, HC-related morbidity presents a significant challenge, as it can significantly delay or otherwise negatively impact ongoing studies. The proper insertion and maintenance of HCs is paramount in preventing these complications, but there is no consensus on best practices. The purpose of this protocol is to comprehensively describe an approach for the insertion and maintenance of a tunneled HC in swine that mitigates HC-related complications and morbidity. The use of these techniques in &gt;100 swine has resulted in complication-free patent lines up to 8 months and no catheter-related mortality or infection of the ventral surgical site. This protocol offers a method to optimize the lifespan of the HC and guidance for approaching issues during use.

Author Spotlight: Hickman Catheter Use for Long-Term Vascular Access in a Preclinical Swine Model  

A reliable and reproducible approach for the insertion and maintenance of a tunneled Hickman catheter for long-term vascular access in swine is described. Placement of a central venous catheter allows for convenient daily sampling of whole blood from awake animals and intravenous administration of medication and fluids.

Central venous catheters (CVCs) are invaluable devices in large animal research as they facilitate a wide range of medical applications, including blood ...

COVID-19 / Coronavirus Outbreak: How To Establish A Central Venous Access By Placing A Central Venous Catheter

In pandemic times, medical staff is becoming a key resource in fighting the infection. To achieve the best medical care, relevant techniques and procedures have to be taught to medical staff while reducing the risk of infection. Intensive care medical&#160;treatment can necessitate central venous catheters due to different indications like vasopressor therapy or treatment of&#160;the patient with vein irrigating substances. This video shows the placement of central venous catheters for intensive care patients.&#160;

COVID-19 / Coronavirus Outbreak: How to Establish a Central Venous Access by Placing a Central Venous Catheter

In pandemic times, medical staff is becoming a key resource in fighting the infection. To achieve the best medical care, relevant techniques and ...

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Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Insertion

Source: Madeline Lassche, MSNEd, RN and Katie Baraki, MSN, RN, College of Nursing, University of Utah, UT
The purpose of peripheral intravenous catheter (PIV) insertion is to infuse medications, perform intravenous (IV) fluid therapy, or inject radioactive tracers for special examination procedures. Placing a PIV is an invasive procedure and requires the use of an aseptic, no-touch technique. 
Common IV venipuncture sites are the arms and hands in adults and the feet in children. According to the Intravenous Nurses Society (INS), the feet should be avoided in the adult population because of the risk of thrombophlebitis. Venipuncture sites should be carefully assessed for contraindications, such as pain, wounds, decreased circulation, a previous cerebral vascular accident (CVA), dialysis fistulas, or a mastectomy on the same side. The median cubital vein and the cephalic vein in the wrist area should be avoided when possible. The cephalic vein has been associated with nerve damage when used for IV placements. The most distal site available on the hand or arm is preferred so that future venipuncture sites may be used if infiltration or extravasation occurs.
This video will demonstrate the insertion of a PIV, including the preparation and attachment of an IV extension set. Although a PIV securement device is used here to stabilize the IV catheter, according to INS recommendations, some facilities may not elect to purchase these devices, and the alternate chevron or U-shaped taping method may also be used.

Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Insertion: No Touch Technique

Source: Madeline Lassche, MSNEd, RN and Katie Baraki, MSN, RN, College of Nursing, University of Utah, UT
The purpose of peripheral intravenous catheter ...

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COVID-19 / Coronavirus Outbreak: Hemodynamic monitoring with PiCCO artery

During pandemics, medical staff become a key resource in treating and managing patients with these infectious diseases. To achieve the best medical care, relevant techniques and procedures must be taught to medical staff which minimize the risk of work-related transmission of infection. When carrying out hemodynamic monitoring in cardiovascularly unstable patients, it is possible to utilize a Pulse Contour Cardiac Output (PiCCO) catheter. This system utilizes a thermodilution method to analyze a patient&#8217;s cardiovascular status. This video highlights&#160;the placement and setup of a PiCCO catheter and system, including both the practical component and analysis of the thermodilution method, whilst taking into account important personal protection measures.

COVID-19 / Coronavirus Outbreak: Hemodynamic Monitoring with PiCCO artery

During pandemics, medical staff become a key resource in treating and managing patients with these infectious diseases. To achieve the best medical care, ...

Peripheral Venous Cannulation

Source: Sharon Bord, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Maryland, USA
Placement of an intravenous (IV) catheter is one of the key procedures in medicine. The IV catheter allows patients to receive critical medications, including pain medicine, insulin, antibiotics, blood products, and fluids for rehydration. Additionally, placing an IV catheter allows for blood samples to be obtained, which can be sent to the laboratory for testing and evaluation. A majority of peripheral IV lines are placed in the superficially located veins of the upper extremities. IV catheters can be placed in any superficial vein from the upper arm to the hand (though the veins in the antecubital fossa are larger than those in the hand). IV catheters can be placed in the lower extremities as well; however, this procedure should be performed with caution in patients with a history of diabetes or poor peripheral circulation.

Peripheral Venous Cannulation and Catheter Insertion

Source: Sharon Bord, MD, Department of Emergency Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Maryland, USA
Placement of an intravenous (IV) ...

Emergency Medicine and Critical Care

Central Venous Catheter Insertion: Internal Jugular

Source: James W Bonz, MD, Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
Central venous access is necessary in a multitude of clinical situations, including vascular access, vasopressor and caustic medication delivery, central venous pressure monitoring, intravascular device delivery (pacing wires, Swann-Ganz catheters), volume resuscitation, total parental nutrition, hemodialysis, and frequent phlebotomy.
Safe reliable placement of a central venous catheter (CVC) in the internal jugular (IJ) vein using ultrasound guidance has become the standard of care. It is therefore imperative to understand the anatomy, the relationship between the IJ and the carotid artery, and their appearance on ultrasound. It is also necessary to have the psychomotor skills of vessel cannulation under ultrasound guidance.
Seldinger technique is an introduction of a device into the body over a guide wire, which is inserted through a thin-walled needle. In the case of CVC insertion, the device is an intravascular catheter and the target vessel is a central vein. First, the target vessel is cannulated with an 18 gauge thin-walled needle. A guide wire is then passed thought the needle until it is appropriately positioned within the vessel. The needle is removed, and a dilator is passed over the wire to dilate the skin and soft tissue to the level of the vessel. The dilator is then removed, and the catheter is passed over the wire until it is appropriately positioned within the vessel. Lastly, the guide wire is removed.
Successful placement of a CVC using ultrasound consists of a working understanding of the target anatomy, facility with procedural ultrasound, and fluidity in Seldinger technique. An IJ CVC can be placed in either the right or the left IJ vein. In general, however, the right IJ vein is preferred because of its straight route to the superior vena cava (SVC), which makes malposition of the catheter less likely.
There are several types of CVC kits commonly available marketed by different manufacturers. CVCs may a single lumen, a double lumen, or a triple lumen. For purposes of this discussion, we will place a triple-lumen CVC, as this is commonly needed when multiple different medications need to be delivered simultaneously. The procedure for placing any type of CVC is the same.

Catheter Insertion in Internal Jugular: the Seldinger Technique

Source: James W Bonz, MD, Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
Central venous access is necessary in a multitude of ...

Central Venous Catheter Insertion: Femoral Vein

Source: James W Bonz, MD, Emergency Medicine, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Connecticut, USA
Central venous access is necessary in a multitude of clinical situations, including vascular access, vasopressor and caustic medication delivery, central venous pressure monitoring, volume resuscitation, total parental nutrition, hemodialysis, and frequent phlebotomy. There are three veins in the body that are accessed for central venous cannulation: the internal jugular, the subclavian, and the femoral. Each of these vessels has distinct advantages and disadvantages with unique anatomical considerations. 
Femoral vein cannulation can be easily performed both under ultrasound guidance and using the surface landmarks; therefore, femoral access is often used when emergent placement of a central venous catheter (CVC) is needed (such as in the case of medical codes and trauma resuscitations). In addition, cannulation of the femoral artery allows one to simultaneously perform other procedures needed for stabilization, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and intubation.
Successful placement of a femoral CVC requires working understanding of the target anatomy, access to with procedural ultrasound, and fluidity in the Seldinger technique.
Seldinger technique is the introduction of a device into the body over a guide wire, which is placed through a thin-walled needle. In the case of CVC insertion, the device is an intravascular catheter and the target vessel is a central vein. First, the target vessel is cannulated with an 18-gauge thin-walled needle. A guide wire is then passed through the needle until it is appropriately positioned within the vessel. The needle is removed and a dilator is passed over the wire to dilate the skin and soft tissue to the level of the vessel. The dilator is then removed and the catheter is passed over the wire until it is appropriately positioned within the vessel. Lastly, the guide wire is removed.
The main disadvantage of a femoral CVC is the high incidence of infection due to proximity to the groin (and often as a result of the quasi-sterile nature under which emergent CVCs are placed). Femoral lines should be replaced early on in the patient's hospital course if sustained central access is needed. A line placed with minimal sterility should be replaced as soon as the patient is stable.

Catheter Insertion in Femoral Vein: FV CVC Placement

Central Venous Access Device Dressing Change

Source: Madeline Lassche, MSNEd, RN and Katie Baraki, MSN, RN, College of Nursing, University of Utah, UT
Central venous access devices (CVAD), commonly known as central lines or central catheters, are large-bore intravenous (IV) catheters that are introduced into the central circulation. Typically, CVADs terminate in the superior vena cava, just outside of the right atrium of the heart, but they may also terminate in any one of the great veins (i.e., aorta, inferior vena cava, brachiocephalic vein, pulmonary artery, internal iliac vein, or common femoral vein). Patients may need a CVAD for any number of reasons. CVADs allow for the rapid infusion of fluids to treat significant hypovolemia or shock. They are also beneficial when administering vasoactive medications, highly concentrated medications, total parenteral nutrition (TPN), or chemotherapy, because the increased blood volume in these areas allows for the hemodilution of these potentially caustic or reactive agents. Patients who must receive multiple non-compatible IV medications, those that require long-term IV medications, or those with limited vascular access may also require the placement of a CVAD. These devices may be tunneled (i.e., inserted into a vein at one location and tunneled under the skin to emerge through the skin at another site) or non-tunneled (i.e., inserted through the skin and directly into a vein). Examples of CVADs include multi-lumen central venous catheters, pulmonary artery catheters, dialysis catheters, port-a-cath, and peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC). 
Because CVADs are introduced into the central circulation, it is important that they are cared for using strict aseptic technique to prevent central line associated blood infections (CLABSI). Nursing standards of care mandate using "sterile technique" when changing CVAD dressings. The Centers for Disease Control recommends changing CVAD dressings at least every 2 days for gauze dressings and at least every 7 days for transparent dressings on adult patients. For pediatric patients, the CDC recommends using clinical judgment to determine the appropriate timing of CVAD dressing changes, as the risk of line removal during the dressing change may outweigh the benefits. 
This video presents the process of changing CVAD dressings using sterile techniques.

Source: Madeline Lassche, MSNEd, RN and Katie Baraki, MSN, RN, College of Nursing, University of Utah, UT
Central venous access devices (CVAD), commonly ...