Tunneling technique of PICCs and Midline catheters

Abstract

BACKGROUND: The tunneling technique is currently widely used for placement of CVC. Recently, some clinicians have used this technique for peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC), or Midline catheters (MCs). OBJECTIVE: To describe a safe antegrade tunneling technique for PICCs and MCs insertion with a blunt tunneler. METHODS: This retrospective monocentric survey collected ASST Lodi hospital data from January 1st to December 31st, 2019. The indication for PICCs and MCs tunneled implant was to respect the correct vein/catheter ratio or special clinical situation (children, burns, wounds, and wider catheter 5/6 fr). Contraindications included the operator's low skills and severe risk of bleeding (INR > 3; Platelet count <50'000). RESULTS: < 0.0001). In the majority tunneling was necessary to respect the correct catheter/vein ratio. The exit site was shifted only for four special clinical situations: skin infections (one PICC and two MCs); burns (one MC). No early complication (intraprocedural, major bleeding), catheter related thrombosis, or device fractures occurred. Two catheter-related bloodstream infections (one PICC, one MC), nine dislocations (four PICCs, five MCs), one MC occlusion were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: The antegrade tunneling technique with blunt tunneler of PICCs and MCs is simple, rapid and is regarded as a safe maneuver. More in-depth and future prospective studies are needed to evaluate the impact of tunneling on early and late complications.

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