Dr. Elisa Walsh discusses central venous catheters, including placement, complications, teaching methods, and confirmation techniques. Topics include ultrasound use, training challenges, and balancing benefits with risks in central line procedures.
Proper training and techniques are essential for safe central line placements.
Utilizing advanced techniques like ultrasound and fluoroscopy enhances post-procedure confirmation of central line placement.
Balancing judicious central line use with skill maintenance is crucial for optimal patient care.
Deep dives
Joining Clinical Trials with Nucleus Network
Participating in clinical trials with Nucleus Network in Minneapolis offers an opportunity to contribute to groundbreaking research. With over 15 years of experience, Nucleus Network is seeking individuals with moderate to severe kidney impairment for upcoming studies. Eligible participants can assist in advancing research on investigational medications for various medical conditions, with compensation ranging from $2,000 to $7,000.
Dr. Alyssa Walsh's Expertise in Central Lines
Dr. Alyssa Walsh, with a background at Massachusetts General Hospital, specializes in central lines and resident education at Harvard Medical School. Her interest was sparked during a case involving intravascular malpositioning, leading to insights on preventing mechanical complications. Through her experience, Dr. Walsh emphasizes the significance of proper training and techniques for central line placements.
Confirming Central Line Placement
Verifying the accurate positioning of central lines post-procedure is vital for patient safety. While chest X-rays remain a traditional method, advancements like ultrasound, manometry, thoracic echocardiography, and fluoroscopy offer more efficient and effective ways to confirm proper central line placement. Each modality presents unique advantages in detecting mechanical complications and ensuring optimal catheter placement at the superior vena cava-right atrium junction.
Balancing Central Line Utilization
The podcast discusses the evolving landscape of central line placements, emphasizing a reduction in unnecessary lines to mitigate associated risks. However, concerns arise regarding potentially declining skills if central lines are underutilized. Striking a balance between judicious central line use and skill maintenance is crucial for ensuring optimal patient care and procedural proficiency among healthcare providers.
Random Recommendations and Outro
Dr. Alyssa Walsh recommends exploring the His Dark Materials series for captivating fantasy storytelling and Saucony Endorphin Speeds for running enthusiasts. Host, Jed Wolpaw, shares a fantasy trilogy recommendation, the Lycanus trilogy by James Eilington. The episode also promotes ACRAC's Spanish translation and random recommendation segments for varied content experiences. Concluding with gratitude to the ACRAC crew and music contributors, the episode encourages listeners to engage with ACRAC through social media platforms and support the podcast's growth.
In this 286th episode I welcome Dr. Elisa Walsh to the show to discuss Central Venous Catheters. We discuss where they can be placed, what can go wrong, how to teach people how to place them safely and how to confirm placement.