MIDline VASCULAR ACCESS CASES

FEARFUL PATIENT AND HOLISTIC VASCULAR ACCESS | NCIA-13

Midline Vascular Access Cases: An elderly hospital patient with a history of both difficult IV access (DIVA) and needle phobia needed vascular access for antibiotics.  Multiple facility staff attempted access unsuccessfully, which increased the patient’s anxiety and resulted in multiple catheter kits to be discarded.  Vascular Wellness was consulted to assist and obtain vascular access. The clinician arrived and confirmed with the physician that a midline would be the right device for this patient, but upon entering the patient’s room, the clinician quickly understood that pulling up a chair and simply talking to the patient would be optimal rather than immediately preparing the ultrasound and supplies.  Holistically, this allowed the clinician to gain the patient’s trust before beginning the procedure, and the patient was relieved to know that the latest technology, as well as numbing medication for comfort, would be utilized. As the patient and clinician continued their conversation, they realized there was a familial relationship which relieved the patient even more.  The Vascular Wellness clinician was able to place the midline without incident, and the patient thanked the clinician for making everything so easy.

PEDIATRIC PATIENT REQUIRES COMPASSIONATE VASCULAR ACCESS CARE | NCIA-12

Midline Vascular Access Cases: This pediatric patient had a severe infectious event during infancy that required a central line and numerous life-threatening hospitalizations, including a life-threatening complication with a vascular access device. Due to this history, the child requires periodic IV fluid infusion and medications, which results in heightened pain and anxiety. Facing another hospitalization, the parents researched the internet for non-hospital alternatives for IV infusions and found Vascular Wellness. It was 9 pm, but the Vascular Wellness Contact Center is open 24/7, and the customer service representative immediately put the parents in touch with the on-call clinician.  After discussion, the clinician promptly went to the patient’s home and placed an ultrasound-guided PIV which lasted a full week, enabling the child to receive IV fluids at home without the need for hospitalization.  It was later determined that continued access was needed, and the Vascular Access Specialist placed an ordered midline.  This Midline lasted 8 weeks providing reliable access and allowing the child to continue to remain in the home and avoid hospitalization.

ULTRASOUND GUIDANCE INSUFFICIENT FOR DIVA PATIENT | NCIA-45

Midline Vascular Access Cases: This case took place in the Emergency Department of a Hospital where a patient was being treated with a suspected case of sepsis and needed vascular access for lab work and IV therapies.  The nurses and physicians tried numerous times to place a peripheral IV using ultrasound guidance but were unsuccessful.  The patient was extremely contracted bilaterally, making the veins very difficult to cannulate.  With the patient’s condition worsening, the care team knew they needed to get vascular access quickly and noticed a couple Vascular Wellness vascular access clinicians who were taking care of another patient nearby.  The care team quickly asked if the Vascular Wellness clinicians could come over as soon as they were done and assist with this sepsis patient.  The nurse clinicians arrived, expertly assessed the patient’s vasculature using ultrasound guidance to determine the best approach, and determined a Midline in the upper left arm would be the best option for the patient.  They quickly and successfully completed the vascular access procedure on the first attempt, and with the Midline in place, the care team was able to begin treatment without further delay.