Common problems and countermeasure of ultrasound-guided modified Seldinger technique for peripherally inserted central catheter placement

Objective To investigate the common problems and countermeasure of using ultrasound-guided modified Seldinger technique in peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placement Method The clinical data of 140 patients who underwent PICC placement using ultrasound-guided modified Seldinger technique were retrospectively analyzed. Results The success rate of catheterization was 98. 6% among these 140 patients,with 135 (96. 4% ) succeeded after a single attempt and 5 (3. 6% ) after 2 attempts. Besides, 7. 1% (n = 10) had difficulty in inserting the guide wire, 3. 6% (n =5) had difficult catheteration, 2. 1% (n =3) met resistance when inserting catheter into ipsilateral subclavian vein, 2. 1 % (n = 3 ) experienced dystopia of inserting catheter into internal jugulular vein, and 1.4% (n = 2) experienced the bending of PICC in the superior vena cava and axillary vein. All of these problems were handled successfully. Conclusions The common problems of PICC placement include puncture failure, difficulty in inserting guide wire, and difficult catheteration. A good knowledge of these problems will help increase the success rate. Key words: Ultrasound-guided;  Modified Seldinger technique;  Peripherally inserted central catheter;  Nursing