Felipe B. Collares

Reinsertion of Accidentally Dislodged Catheters through the Original Track: What is the Likelihood of Success?

PURPOSE To determine the success rate for reinsertion of interventional radiology-placed catheters that were accidentally removed by using the existing percutaneous track and to investigate factors that influence success rate. MATERIALS AND METHODS The authors performed a retrospective analysis of 225 patients who presented with dislodged catheters (24 tunneled central venous catheters, 170 gastrostomy/jejunostomy tubes, 25 nephrostomy catheters, five biliary catheters, and one transhepatic hemodialysis catheter) and underwent attempts for reinsertion between 1999 and 2007. Data obtained from the radiology information system included the type of catheter and the indwelling and reinsertion times. RESULTS The overall success rate for reinsertion was 87%. Success of reinsertion was associated with longer catheter indwelling times compared to patients who failed reinsertion (254 vs 100 days, P < .01). Success of reinsertion was associated with shorter reinsertion times compared to patients who failed reinsertion (1.1 vs 2.7 days, P < .05). CONCLUSIONS Reinsertion of catheters by using the cutaneous track can be performed successfully during the first days after dislodgement. Success rates vary on the basis of catheter type and indwelling and reinsertion times.

Patient safety in phlebology: The ACP Phlebology Safety Checklist:

Objectives To assess the current use of safety checklists among the American College of Phlebology (ACP) members and their interest in implementing a checklist supported by the ACP on their clinical practices; and to develop a phlebology safety checklist. Method Online surveys were sent to ACP members, and a phlebology safety checklist was developed by a multispecialty team through the ACP Leadership Academy. Results Forty-seven percent of respondents are using a safety checklist in their practices; 23% think that a phlebology safety checklist would interfere or disrupt workflow; 79% answered that a phlebology safety checklist could improve procedure outcomes or prevent complications; and 85% would be interested in implementing a phlebology safety checklist approved by the ACP. Conclusion A phlebology safety checklist was developed with the intent to increase awareness on patient safety and improve outcome in phlebology practice.