Ditto.  Well said!  Kudos!
 
Heather Nichols RN BSN CRNI
Infusion Services
University of Louisville Trauma Institute
530 S. Jackson St.
Lou. Ky. 40202
(502)562-3530

>>> "Leigh Ann Bowe-geddes" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 02/04/06 8:39 AM >>>
While it does occasionally happen that a fibrin sheath completely covers a line and causes retrograde flow of the solution, I have seen chemical phlebitis be a more common cause of retrograde flow when the line is a midline. There are very few medications that can safely be administered via midline without causing phlebitis. The inflammation can cause the path of least resistance (or the only available path) to be retrograde. Make sure that you are choosing wisely when placing a midline. Like you, Nancy, we have essentially stopped placing midlines. It is too rare in our circumstances that the infusate is appropriate.
Another important point may be to stop placing dual lumen midlines. The blood flow at the point of tip termination is not adequate to properly dilute two different medications, particularly if these meds are not compatible with one another.
Leigh Ann
 
Leigh Ann Bowe-Geddes, RN, CRNI
IV Therapy Specialist
Infusion Services Department
University of Louisville Hospital
Louisville, KY
502-562-3530

>>> <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 02/03/06 9:36 PM >>>
Nancy,
It happens occasionally to me also.  But, it can also happen with PICC lines.
The catheter is has developed a fibrin sheath.  The sheath completely covers the catheter.  The fluid runs through the catheter and into the sheath and with no where to go it comes back down the cathter.  At least this is my deduction from many years of experiencing this phenomenon.  I use to think it was me or my technique, then maybe the catheter.  But, I have found that it can happen to any nurse and any brand of cathter.  With PICCs and Midlines.

A study would be great but, I could not perform the study due to lack of resources.  My lines are placed mainly in the external settings and can not afford to send the resident to IR for a Dye study.  But, I believe that this is what is occuring with your catheters as well.  I now use the Groshong 4Fr single PICC but, previously used the V-Cath as well and both cathteters can have this happen.  I can tell you that when you take the line out nothing will be on the catheter.  And after inserting another catheter some patients will continue to develope these sheaths.  Some do not.  Without a study of the patients labs, medications, and previos history I am afraid an answer is not forthcoming as to what patient will or will not develop these sheaths. 

I have ask many experts and catheter reps and no one seems to have the answers.  Actually most think it is the fault of the inserting nurse and their technique.  I believe it is with the patient and their physiology.

Just my two cents.
Randy

--
Randy Ross R.N., B.S.N.
IV Nurse Consultant,
President & C.E.O.
IV's Etc...  LLC
Vascular Access
    & Consulting
Ph: 317-541-6463
Fax: 317-894-7709
Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Website: www.IVsEtc.com

-------------- Original message ----------------------
From: "Nancy Sullivan" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
> Here goes some question about Midline.
>   My hospital IV team (that I am on) has stopped putting in midlines because we
> were experiencing leaking at the insertion site.
>   Is any one else experiencing this problem.
>   Also, Do you place them in the ac or upper arm?
>    Do you use MST and or ultrasound to place a midline?
>   Where is the tip if you use the upper arm?
>   We use Bard 4fr groshong ad 5fr dual per q cath midlines, that is if we happen
> to put one in.
>   Thanks
>   Nancy
>   
>
>        
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