Tim, Many thousands of reverse taper catheters have been used in the US over the past five years. A very small incidence of phlebitis has been noted. I believe that many clinicians are very much aware of and concerned about this type of outcome and are therefore watching carefully for it. Although not all issues are reported or even recognized, if it were as wide spread as you are suggesting, it would be noted and spoken of. Of course, we advise all clinicians using reverse taper catheter to place the catheter in the upper arm, so that they are accessing larger vessels. Thanks for your thoughts. Paul
Paul L. Blackburn, RN, MNA Manager, Clinical Education Office: 800-443-5505, ext. 4981 Mobile: 801-598-1657 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] -----Original Message----- From: Tim Talbert [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] Sent: Thursday, May 11, 2006 12:15 PM To: Blackburn, Paul; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: RE: I still think this idea is fundamentally wrong, because it places the largest portion of the catheter into the smallest area of the vein. And, it is used to address a problem that could be corrected with education on how to dress and secure a catheter. I think the inevitable result is a grater incidence of phlebitis, although it may not be large enough to be apparent without a large study. Tim >>> "Blackburn, Paul" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> 5/11/06 >>> PICCs are generally manufactured with a reverse taper design to prevent kinking of that portion of the catheter that may be outside of the insertion site. Additionally, the reverse taper feature can be used to tamponade bleeding at the insertion site during the initial 24 hours following insertion. Obviously this additional benefit is not usable unless the last 7cm of the catheter is close to or inserted into the insertion site. Paul Paul L. Blackburn, RN, MNA Manager, Clinical Education Office: 800-443-5505, ext. 4981 Mobile: 801-598-1657 Email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Confidentiality Notice: This e-mail and any attachments are intended only for the use of those to whom it is addressed and may contain information that is confidential and prohibited from further disclosure under law. If you have received this e-mail in error, its review, use, retention and/or distribution is strictly prohibited. If you are not the intended recipient, please contact the sender by reply e-mail and destroy all copies of the original message and any attachments.[v1.0] ________________________________ From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Susan Fullana Sent: Thursday, May 11, 2006 9:01 AM To: [EMAIL PROTECTED]; [EMAIL PROTECTED] Subject: Basically, I would think that it's tapered so that you can" jam it" into the arm easier. I would much rather use this technique than risk getting cut on a "safety" scalpel from a prostitute, hep C drug abuser like I did. Susan J. Fullana <http://us.i1.yimg.com/us.yimg.com/i/mesg/tsmileys2/40.gif> Notice from St.Joseph Health System: Please note that the information contained in this message may be privileged and confidential and protected from disclosure.
