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FX vs. ECG Guidance for PICC Insertion

Appropriateness of Replacing Fluoroscopic Guidance by ECG Guidance in PICC Insertion, RCT

Status
Completed
Phases
NA
Study type
Interventional
Source
ClinicalTrials.gov
Registry ID
NCT03652727
Enrollment
120
Registered
2018-08-29
Start date
2018-09-04
Completion date
2019-02-20
Last updated
2020-01-14

For informational purposes only — not medical advice. Sourced from public registries and may not reflect the latest updates. Terms

Conditions

Chemotherapy, Long Term Antibiotics, Total Parenteral Nutrition

Keywords

PICC, PIC Line, ECG

Brief summary

The aim of this study is to compare two techniques of placing a peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC). The first technique, uses ECG based electromagnetic guidance (ECG-EM). The second (reference technique), is guided by X-ray (fluoroscopy).

Detailed description

The method of placement under fluoroscopic control (FX) is considered as the reference technique. This is often criticized for disadvantages such as costs, logistical problems and relative ionizing radiation. Despite this, it is still advised by 75% of PICC providers. Appeared about ten years ago, a per procedural guiding technique with intracavitary ECG tracking (ECG-EM) presents a better technical success (precision and specificity) than the blind technique, but there is still a lack in comparing this technique to the FX technique. This prospective randomized controlled study is designed to compare the PICC insertion using ECG-EM guidance to fluoroscopic (FX) guidance in order to define whether a replacement of the FX technique by ECG-EM is appropriate in terms of the final catheter tip position of the PICC as well as length of the outgoing catheter at the entry point. All included patients gave their written consent and the study is approved by EC. Participation is open to all adults referred to the radiology department of the CHUV for insertion of a PICC (monocentric). Recruited patients will be randomly assigned to one of the two arms (FX or ECG-EM). For both procedures patient position and preparation (MSB, maximal sterile barrier) are standardized and are similar. FX method consists on a puncture of an arm vein, under the ultrasound control and local anesthesia. Through the point of puncture, a long wire is then introduced and directed to the level of the target zone located in the superior vena cava under fluoroscopy control. The length of the guide inside the vessel is then measured to adjust the length of the PICC necessary for its optimal positioning. For ECG-EM insertion technique, the vein puncture is done in similar conditions to the FX method. The length of the PICC is estimated prior to its insertion using morphological landmarks. The placement of the PICC is done using SHERLOCK 3CG™ Diamond Tip Confirmation System (TCS) (CE marked device; C. R. Bard, Inc.). At the end of procedure, a chest x-ray is performed to assess the PICC position. Possible per-procedural complications are documented. After intervention, the patient is transferred back to the ward or sent home in stable conditions.

Interventions

DEVICEECG-EM Guidance

ECG-EM method consists on a puncture of an arm vein, under the ultrasound control and local anesthesia. The length of the PICC is estimated prior to its insertion using morphological landmarks. The placement of the PICC is done using SHERLOCK 3CG™ Diamond Tip Confirmation System (TCS) \[CE marked device, C. R. Bard, Inc.\]. At the end of procedure, a chest x-ray is performed to assess the PICC position

DEVICEFX Guidance

FX method consists on a puncture of an arm vein, under the ultrasound control and local anesthesia. Through the point of puncture, a long wire is then introduced and directed to the level of the target zone located in the superior vena cava under fluoroscopy control. The length of the guide inside the vessel is then measured to adjust the length of the PICC necessary for its optimal positioning. At the end of procedure, a chest x-ray is performed to assess the PICC position

Sponsors

Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois
CollaboratorOTHER
Salah D. Qanadli
Lead SponsorOTHER

Study design

Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Intervention model
PARALLEL
Primary purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE

Eligibility

Sex/Gender
ALL
Age
18 Years to No maximum
Healthy volunteers
No

Inclusion criteria

* Informed Consent as documented by signature (Informed Consent Form) * Adult \> 18 years * Referred to the interventional radiology department for PICC insertion

Exclusion criteria

* Pregnant women * Known or suspected non-compliance * Inability to follow the procedures of the study, e.g. due to language problems, psychological disorders, dementia, etc. of the participant, * Previous enrolment into the current study, * Enrolment of the investigator, his/her family members, employees and other dependent persons, * Impairment of the heart rhythm changing the presentation of the P wave (atrial fibrillation, atrial flutter, severe tachycardia, pacemaker driven rhythm) * Enrolled in conflicting research study * Weight\> 150 kg, technical limit for the fluoroscopy table * Impossibility of obtaining informed consent

Design outcomes

Primary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Tip to CAJ (Cavo-atrial junction)Up to 1 hour, after the procedureAt the end of intervention tip position is measured on chest fluoroscopic X-ray. Absolute distance from tip to CAJ is measured on the image. This will reflect proportions of optimal tip positions depending on guidance technology. Rationale is that optimal position is mandatory for adequate functioning of PICC as malpositions may result on cardiac rhythm disorders, thrombosis or premature PICC occlusion.

Secondary

MeasureTime frameDescription
Length of the outgoing catheterUp to 1 hour, after the procedureLength of the outgoing catheter at the entry point near the bend of the elbow. The rationale behind is that correct positioning guarantees optimal haemostasis and might prevent secondary displacement
Inter-observer and intra-observer varianceThrough study completion, an average of 9 monthThe CAJ to catheter tip distance is based on subjective assessment by one investigator of the X-ray chest. Rationale behind is that in order to evaluate the impact of potential variation due to subjective interpretation interobserver and intraobserver variance will be quantified

Countries

Switzerland

Outcome results

None listed

Source: ClinicalTrials.gov · Data processed: Feb 16, 2026