Case Report Open Access
Copyright ©The Author(s) 2021. Published by Baishideng Publishing Group Inc. All rights reserved.
World J Clin Cases. Sep 16, 2021; 9(26): 7944-7953
Published online Sep 16, 2021. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v9.i26.7944
Peripherally inserted central catheter placement in neonates with persistent left superior vena cava: Report of eight cases
Qiong Chen, Yan-Ling Hu, Ying-Xin Li, Xi Huang, Department of Neonatal Nursing, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
Qiong Chen, Yan-Ling Hu, Ying-Xin Li, Xi Huang, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children (Sichuan University), Ministry of Education, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China
ORCID number: Qiong Chen (0000-0003-4926-8190); Yan-Ling Hu (0000-0002-2637-8445); Ying-Xin Li (0000-0001-5636-4418); Xi Huang (0000-0001-6835-2393).
Author contributions: Chen Q contributed to the study design and data analysis and drafted the manuscript; Huang X contributed to the data analysis and critically revised the manuscript; Hu YL and Li YX critically revised the manuscript; all authors have read and approved the final manuscript.
Supported by the 2017 Scientific Research Project of Sichuan Health and Family Planning Commission, No. 18PJ215.
Informed consent statement: The parents of the patients described herein were informed about the treatment-related risks and benefits. In addition, informed written consent was obtained from the patients’ parents for publication of this report and any accompanying images. This study was reviewed and approved by the hospital ethics committee [2020 Medical Scientific Research for Ethics Approval No. (115)], and written informed consent was provided by the patients’ parents/guardians before their participation in this study.
Conflict-of-interest statement: The authors declare that they have no conflicts of interest to disclose.
CARE Checklist (2016) statement: The authors have read the CARE Checklist (2016), and the manuscript was prepared and revised according to the CARE Checklist (2016).
Open-Access: This article is an open-access article that was selected by an in-house editor and fully peer-reviewed by external reviewers. It is distributed in accordance with the Creative Commons Attribution NonCommercial (CC BY-NC 4.0) license, which permits others to distribute, remix, adapt, build upon this work non-commercially, and license their derivative works on different terms, provided the original work is properly cited and the use is non-commercial. See: http://creativecommons.org/Licenses/by-nc/4.0/
Corresponding author: Xi Huang, MSN, Nurse, Department of Neonatal Nursing, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University/West China School of Nursing, Sichuan University, No. 20 Section 3, Renmin South Road, Chengdu 610041, Sichuan Province, China. 422106638@qq.com
Received: May 12, 2021
Peer-review started: May 12, 2021
First decision: June 15, 2021
Revised: July 1, 2021
Accepted: July 19, 2021
Article in press: July 19, 2021
Published online: September 16, 2021
Processing time: 121 Days and 6.4 Hours

Abstract
BACKGROUND

Reports on peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placement in neonates with persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) are rare. The majority of PLSVC patients have no clinical symptoms or hemodynamic changes, which are usually detected during cardiac catheterization, cardiac pacemaker implantation, or PICC placement. However, in neonates with PLSVC, PICC placement can be challenging. Here, we report PICC placement in eight neonates with PLSVC.

CASE SUMMARY

This article introduces the concept of the “TIMB” bundle. After PICC implantation, we found PLSVC in all eight patients. The key points of care regarding PICC placement in neonates with PLSVC included “TIMB”, where “T” indicates a reasonable choice of the catheterization time, “I” refers to a retrospective analysis of imaging data before catheterization, “M” refers to correct measurement of the body surface length, and “B” indicates that the tip of the PICC is placed in the middle and lower 1/3 of the left superior vena cava under the guidance of B-ultrasound.

CONCLUSION

“TIMB” is a bundle for PICC placement in neonates, especially for those with PLSVC. Using this new approach can improve the first-attempt success rate of PICC placement, reveal cardiovascular abnormalities in advance, allow the selection of different measurement methods reasonably according to the puncture site, and finally, improve the accuracy of catheter positioning through the use of B-ultrasound guidance.

Key Words: Neonate; Persistent left superior vena cava; Peripherally inserted central catheter; Complications; “TIMB” bundle; Case report

Core Tip: We report rare cases of persistent left superior vena cava in neonates in whom peripherally inserted central catheter placement was difficult. We faced unprecedented difficulties and challenges during the process of catheterization; several conventional methods were used. Finally, we successfully established a new approach of tube placement, that is, “TIMB”, where “T” indicates time, “I” refers to imaging data, “M” refers to measurement, and “B” indicates B-ultrasound.



INTRODUCTION

Persistent left superior vena cava (PLSVC) is a common systemic venous malformation identified in 10% of people with congenital heart defects[1]. PLSVC is caused by the failure of the proximal part of the left anterior main vein[2]. The majority of PLSVC patients have no clinical symptoms or hemodynamic changes, which are usually detected during cardiac catheterization, cardiac pacemaker implantation, or peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) placement[3]. In the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), the indications for PICC placement in neonates generally include the following[4]: (1) Very low birth weight; (2) Infusion of enteral nutrient solution for ≥ 5 d; (3) Intravenous infusion of hypertonic solution (> 600 mOsm/L); and (4) Intravenous infusion of solutions or liquid medicine with pH < 5 or pH > 9. However, for infants with PLSVC, the placement of a PICC can be challenging. The existence of PLSVC affects the judgment and normal use of the catheter tip position after catheterization, which may affect insertion and increase the risk of PICC-related complications.

PLSVC is divided into four types. In patients with type I PLSVC, which accounts for approximately 90% of all PLSVC cases, when the tip is in the correct position, the catheter can continue to be used because these patients have no other cardiovascular abnormalities[5]. Because PICC liquid exosmosis is inversely proportional to the diameter of the vessel[6], the PLSVC diameter can be judged by B-ultrasound. If the left superior vena cava lumen is obviously larger than the right superior vena cava lumen or the difference between the two is not significant, the PICC can continue to be used. If the left superior vena cava lumen is obviously smaller than the right superior vena cava lumen, the PICC should be removed as soon as possible[7]. Types II, III, and IV PLSVC accounts for approximately 10% of all patients[5], and right-to-left shunting of venous blood into the left atrium can easily lead to an embolism. Moreover, air on the left side of the heart, even as little as 0.5 mL, and direct entry into the systemic circulation can also cause a fatal embolism[8]. It is difficult to clear tiny air bubbles in the infusion line during clinical transfusion; to ensure the safety of these patients, the PICC should be removed immediately and reinserted from the right side or lower limb[8]. Solitary PLSVC accounts for approximately 0.1% of all PLSVC cases and is accompanied by the absence of the right superior vena cava[9]. A PICC can be used when the size of the left superior vena cava lumen is suitable and the position of the end of the catheter is normal[7].

Here, we report rare cases of PLSVC in neonates at NICUs in Chengdu, Sichuan Province, China, in whom PICC placement was difficult. In these cases, we faced unprecedented difficulties and challenges during the process of catheterization that were successfully overcome following application of a new approach. Therefore, we introduce the concept of the “TIMB” bundle, which has seldom been mentioned in previous studies and might be used for PICC placement in neonates with PLSVC.

We describe the clinical data and method of central catheter insertion in eight newborns with PLSVC who underwent PICC placement between January 2017 and June 2020.

CASE PRESENTATION
Study population

A total of 2287 patients underwent PICC placement at the Neonatal Department of West China Second University Hospital of Sichuan University between January 2017 and June 2020. Eight patients (0.35%) required a new approach for PICC placement as they were diagnosed with PLSVC. The general data of these eight patients are shown in Table 1.

Table 1 General clinical data of eight neonates with persistent left superior vena cava.
Male: female (patients)Gestational age (W)
Birth weight (g)
Age at PICC placement
Number of PICC procedures
< 28
28-31+6
32-36+6
> 37
< 1 000
1000-1499
1500-2499
≥ 2500
≤ 24 h
> 24 h
For the first time
For the second time
5:5133123215371

PLSVC was not diagnosed in seven patients (except for patient 5) before the first catheterization, and PLSVC was first detected by chest X-ray after catheterization and then confirmed by B-ultrasound. Among the eight patients, two (patients 2 and 6) had congenital malformations of the digestive tract and were treated surgically, and three (patients 3, 4, and 5) had a congenital heart defect. B-ultrasound showed that seven patients had no right-to-left shunt, and one (patient 8) had a right-to-left shunt (Table 2).

Table 2 Information on eight neonates with persistent left superior vena cava who received a peripherally inserted central catheter.
Serial number
Date of admission
Gestational age (W)
Birth weight (g)
Primary diagnosis
Age at PICC placement
Number of PICC procedures
Weight (g)
Puncture site
Placement length (cm)
First tip positioning
Adjustment situation
Reposition
Days of PICC indwelling (d)
Patient 1May 22, 2017321310Preterm, very low birth weight20 h11310Left basilic vein13.5T9Pull out 2.7 cmT5-68
Patient 2July 13, 201740+22650Postoperative esophageal atresia10 d12970Left axillary vein10T7-8Pull out 0.5 cmT615
Patient 3March 18, 201829+31200Preterm, very low birth weight, patent ductus arteriosus1 d11200Left basilic vein12.5T8Pull out 0.8 cmT5-618
Patient 4November 9, 201834+1975Preterm, very low birth weight, atrial septal defect1 d1975Left basilic vein12T5-639
Patient 5December 3, 201827+2880Preterm, very low birth weight, patent ductus arteriosus, tricuspid regurgitation (moderate)32 d21425Left median vein11T610
Patient 6December 26, 201836+42250Postoperative esophageal atresia, preterm, low birth weight3 d12640Left superficial temporal vein12.5T66
Patient 7February 3, 201930+61220Preterm, very low birth weight1 d11220Left basilic vein12.5T9Pull out 2.5 cmT56
Patient 8February 3, 201930+21500Preterm, low birth weight5 h11503Left axillary vein8T8The lumen of the left superior vena cava was obviously smaller than that of the right superior vena cava, so the PICC was removed on the same day. The patient was scheduled for catherization through a lower extremity vein, but the family abandoned treatment 12 h after admission
Method of PICC placement

A member of the PICC team (composed of registered nurses who have professional PICC knowledge, have passed skills training, have passed the assessment for qualification for PICC insertion, and have at least 5 years of clinical work experience[10]) placed a 1.9-Fr PICC (1.9 Fr, single lumen, Vascu-PICC, Medcomp, Inc., Harleysville, PA, United States). In all patients, PICC placement was performed in accordance with the standard procedures described in the 2016 Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice[6].

All patients were located with a bedside chest X-ray machine (Philips, PRACTIX 33 plus) after a successful puncture, and the positioning criteria were based on Practice of Neonatology, 5th Edition[5], as follows: (1) Chest X-ray positioning: The baby was placed in the supine position with the head in the center and the upper limbs on both sides of the body; (2) upper limb/head venous catheterization: The tip of the PICC was located at 1/3 of the inferior segment of the superior vena cava (at approximately the level of 4th-6th thoracic vertebrae); and (3) lower limb venous catheterization: The tip of the PICC was located in the inferior vena cava (at approximately the level of 9th-11th thoracic vertebrae or 4th-5th lumbar vertebrae).

Laboratory examinations

In all eight patients, chest X-rays showed that the catheter descended along the left side of the vertebral column after PICC insertion (Figure 1). It should be considered that the catheter may enter the left thoracic blood vessel (such as the branch of the left internal mammary artery) through other ways[1]. Therefore, a small amount of blood was collected at the PICC for blood analysis, and all results were normal. Blood analysis indicated venous blood in all cases.

Figure 1
Figure 1 A peripherally inserted central catheter in a patient with persistent left superior vena cava descending along the left side of the vertebral column. Chest X-rays in all eight cases showed similar results, with the only difference being in the peripherally inserted central catheter tip position.
Imaging examinations

On the day of PICC insertion, chest X-ray showed that the PICC was located in the left thoracic cavity in all patients (Figure 1), which was different from that in normal patients (Figure 2). Chest X-ray showed that the tip was positioned at the level of the 9th thoracic vertebra in two patients (patients 1 and 7), the 8th thoracic vertebra in two (patients 3 and 8), the 7th-8th thoracic vertebrae in one (patient 2), and the 5th-6th thoracic vertebrae in another three (patients 4, 5, and 6) (Table 2).

Figure 2
Figure 2 A normal peripherally inserted central catheter descending along the right side of the vertebral column.
FINAL DIAGNOSIS

The diagnoses of all patients except for the PLSVC are shown in Table 2.

TREATMENT

We summarize our treatment for these cases as the “TIMB” bundle.

OUTCOME AND FOLLOW-UP

The position of the PICC tip was determined by bedside B-ultrasound after chest X-ray localization. Except for three patients (patients 4, 5, and 6) in whom the catheter tip was in a proper position, the catheter tip position in the remaining four patients (patients 1, 2, 3, and 7) was retreated to the middle and lower parts of the left superior vena cava under the guidance of B-ultrasound. In one patient (patient 8), B-ultrasound showed type II PLSVC, with right-to-left shunting, and the lumen of the left superior vena cava was significantly smaller than that of the right superior vena cava. Therefore, the PICC was removed on the same day as advised by the doctor, and recatheterization through a lower extremity vein was planned, but 12 h after admission, the patient’s parents asked that the baby be discharged.

No PICC-related complications, such as arrhythmia or cardiac tamponade, were found in seven patients who were scheduled for catheter removal after 6 to 39 d of indwelling. The details of PICC placement in this group are shown in Table 2.

On January 15, 2019, patient 4 was treated by interventional surgery in the cardiovascular department due to atrial septal defect, and the patient recovered well after the operation. On April 23, 2019, patient 5 was hospitalized in the respiratory department due to mycoplasma pneumonia and was discharged on May 7. Several other patients did not require readmission, and to date, all children have continued to grow well.

“TIMB” bundle approach

Time: On the day of birth, most neonates are still adapting to the external environment, accompanied by varying degrees of edema[5], and in this study, the neonates with PLSVC were not diagnosed before catheterization; if the PICC is placed early after birth, the first-attempt success rate will be reduced. Therefore, a reasonable time for PICC placement should be selected at least 24 h after birth, except for under special circumstances, such as rescue.

Imaging data: The comprehensive evaluation of imaging data before PICC placement plays a vital role in the determination of the puncture site. If a prenatal examination is regularly performed, fetal cardiovascular abnormalities can be discovered in a timely manner, and prenatal ultrasound plays a vital role in the diagnosis of PLSVC. Thus, a retrospective analysis of imaging data should be performed before catheterization.

Measurement: The body surface length should be correctly measured. For some neonates in a critical condition who need hypertonic and irritant drugs within 24 h after birth, central venous access must be established as soon as possible, and it is recommended to select the veins of both lower limbs[4], the right upper extremity, or right head and neck if possible. The body surface length was measured in the same manner as in normal infants, that is, from the prepuncture point along the vein to the right sternoclavicular joint and down to the 1/2 intercostal space. In patients who were diagnosed with PLSVC by B-ultrasound before PICC placement, when a left-side puncture was required due to vascular conditions, the body surface length was measured from the left puncture point along the vein to the left sternoclavicular joint plus 0.5 cm.

B-ultrasound: The tip of the PICC was placed in the middle and lower 1/3 of the left superior vena cava under the guidance of B-ultrasound. Through exploration of the PICC placement approach in patients with PLSVC, we suggest that PICC placement be performed under the guidance of B-ultrasound if a B-ultrasound or chest X-ray examination is not performed before PICC placement.

The catheter tip in four patients (patients 1, 2, 3, and 7) was withdrawn to be positioned in the middle and lower parts of the left superior vena cava under the guidance of B-ultrasound. The PICC was withdrawn outward under the guidance of B-ultrasound 2.7 cm in patient 1, 0.5 cm in patient 2, 0.8 cm in patient 3, and 2.5 cm in patient 7. The catheter tip was properly positioned in the remaining three patients (patients 4, 5, and 6).

DISCUSSION
Timing of PICC placement

When PICC placement is performed in patients with PLSVC, because the internal environment of premature infants is not stable, the blood vessel wall is thin, and the permeability is strong[5], if the catheter tip fails to reach the superior vena cava during catheterization, catheter exudation may occur. Moreover, on the day of birth, most neonates are still adapting to the external environment, accompanied by varying degrees of edema, and in this study, the neonates with PLSVC were not diagnosed before catheterization; if the PICC is placed early after birth, the first-attempt success rate will be reduced. Therefore, appropriate timing of catheterization is particularly important. On the other hand, because some examinations have not been completed, it will directly affect the overall assessment of PICC placement, thus increasing the risk of catheterization. Finally, we have summarized a great deal of experience with PICC placement failure on the first day after birth. Therefore, it is suggested that the best time for PICC placement should be 24 h after birth. In our study, five patients were in urgent need of hyperosmotic and irritant drugs within 24 h after birth due to their critical condition. After a full evaluation by the PICC team, the patients underwent catheter placement within 24 h after birth. Because PLSVC is not an absolute contraindication for PICC placement, B-ultrasound is not performed routinely before catheterization. After catheterization, the PICC tip was positioned deeper in four patients (patients 1, 2, 3, and 7). Two patients (patients 6 and 2) were stable and did not require hyperosmotic and irritant drugs within 24 h after birth. Although B-ultrasound screening was not routinely performed, the difficulty of catheterization was reduced because the PICC was placed on the 3rd day and 10th day after birth. The position of the catheter tip was deeper in one patient (patient 2) and at a suitable position in another patient (patient 6). One patient (patient 5) underwent a second catheterization procedure 32 d after birth. This patient was diagnosed with PLSVC using B-ultrasound before catheterization, which confirmed that the tip of the catheter was placed in the correct position.

Review of imaging data before catheterization and selection of the puncture site

A comprehensive evaluation of imaging data before PICC placement plays a vital role in the judgment of the puncture site. If a prenatal examination is regularly performed, fetal cardiovascular abnormalities can be discovered in a timely manner. Prenatal ultrasound plays a vital role in the diagnosis of PLSVC[3]. Moreover, some patients may undergo echocardiography and/or chest X-ray within 24 h after birth. If abnormal anatomical structures of the heart vessels are found, such as PLSVC, dextrocardia, and single atrium, PICC placement can be accurately planned, including the selection of the puncture site, and measurement of the body surface length, direction of the catheter, and tip location. B-ultrasound and/or chest X-ray should be performed before PICC placement to avoid the adverse effects caused by PLSVC.

Because catheter heterotopia in the left superior vena cava often occurs when a catheter is inserted through the left limb[11], left upper extremity and left head and neck vein catheterization should be avoided in newborns with confirmed PLSVC. In our study, patient 5 was diagnosed with PLSVC by B-ultrasound before the second catheterization and was treated for 32 d in another hospital. Considering that there was no suitable vessel on the right side or in either lower limb for catheterization, the left median cubital vein was chosen. For similar cases, catheterization should be performed from the left upper limb and left head or neck, considering that the catheter will descend down the left side of the vertebral column (left superior vena cava) and that the path of the vessel is shorter than the right superior vena cava across the spine and down the right side. In these patients, the descending path of the catheter is shorter than the descending route of the right superior vena cava on the right side across the vertebral column[11]. Therefore, the body surface length was measured from the left puncture point along the vein to the left sternoclavicular joint plus 0.5 cm. Chest X-ray and B-ultrasound showed that the tip of the catheter was in the correct position, at the level of the 6th thoracic vertebra and lower 1/3 of the left superior vena cava, respectively.

For some neonates in a critical condition, the use of hypertonic and irritant drugs is urgently needed within 24 h after birth, and central venous access must be established as soon as possible; however, there were no diagnoses of PLSVC at this time in this study. Thus, it is recommended to choose lower limb veins[4]. The surface length was measured in the same manner as under normal conditions. In our study, in all eight patients, the mother had not received regular prenatal examinations at our hospital and presented to our hospital for emergency obstetric delivery due to a high-risk pregnancy. Among these neonates, five with PLSVC did not undergo bedside B-ultrasound and chest X-ray within 24 h after birth; additionally, all of the neonates had edema of varying degrees in the whole body and limbs, and the vessels were not well exposed. After failing to puncture veins in both lower limbs, the right basilic vein, and the right axillary vein, the PICC team chose to place the catheter from the left upper limb. The surface length was measured as in normal newborns, and all PICCs were located along the left side of the vertebral column. Among the patients, the PICC tip was too deep in four newborns. Finally, PLSVC was confirmed by bedside B-ultrasound. Therefore, PICC placement should be performed under the guidance of B-ultrasound if a B-ultrasound or chest X-ray examination is not performed before PICC puncture. We have changed our practice based on the conclusions that we made from this study. Now, when we encounter neonates who urgently require PICC placement, the PICC team usually evaluates the blood vessel first, and if placement may be difficult or if a B-ultrasound or chest X-ray examination is not performed before PICC placement, we will perform the procedure under B-ultrasound guidance.

Assessment when the catheter is located in the left side of the thoracic cavity

Chest X-ray after catheterization showed that the catheter was located in the left side of the thoracic cavity, which was different from the location in normal patients. Factors of malposition should be excluded first. The PICC team usually considers that the catheter can accidentally enter the left thoracic vessel through a branch of the left internal mammary artery and takes care during insertion[1]. A small amount of blood can be collected from the PICC for analysis. PLSVC should be considered when catheter suction and saline injection are normal after the possibility of accidental entry into the artery is excluded, and the catheter location should be confirmed by B-ultrasound or chest X-ray. In patient 2, chest X-ray showed the PICC descending along the left side of the vertebral column, because the catheter was inserted through the left axillary vein, and the axillary artery was superficial. Based on previous experience, the PICC team first evaluated the extent of the possibility of entering the artery by mistake. A small amount of blood was collected for bedside blood analysis, and the results showed the following: PaO2 38.9 mmHg, PaCO2 56.3 mmHg, and SaO2 75%; the baby was quiet, with rosy skin; and SPO2 93%, which suggested venous blood. The location of the PICC in patients with PLSVC was further confirmed using B-ultrasound.

In the other seven patients, chest X-ray showed the PICC descending along the left side of the vertebral column; therefore, after comprehensive analysis of the selection of blood vessels before catheterization, the color of the blood during catheterization, the situation of inserted catheter, and the result of normal saline injection, the possibility of PLSVC was first considered. Finally, PLSVC was confirmed by bedside B-ultrasound.

Influence of PICCs on different types of PLSVC in the clinic

In our study, seven patients had type I PLSVC, and the right superior vena cava existed at the same time. B-ultrasound showed little difference on both sides of the lumen; therefore, removal of the catheter was not considered. A right-to-left shunt was found on B-ultrasound in one patient (patient 8) with type II PLSVC, and the lumen of the left superior vena cava was obviously smaller than that of the right superior vena cava; thus, the PICC was removed on the same day. In this case, the parents decided to abandon treatment and requested that the PICC not be reinserted.

Observations during catheter use

During the indwelling of a PICC, excessive crying, strenuous activity, or irritation should be avoided to reduce the risk of catheter displacement caused by newborns' physical activities[12]. In seven patients, during indwelling of the PICC, the crying babies were soothed by using pacifiers, touching, and holding. For neonates in whom catheterization proceeded through the left basilic vein and left axillary vein, the left upper limb was restrained and placed on the side of the body to avoid catheter shift caused by excessive movement of the limb. Each baby's heart rate, heart rhythm, and SpO2 were closely monitored by continuous electrocardiogram monitoring and timely detection of arrhythmia, cardiac tamponade, and other complications. The arm circumference was measured daily to observe whether the limb was swollen. Proper flushing and a sealing tube were adopted to avoid drawing back blood, and the minimum infusion pump speed was more than 3 mL/h. Transfusion of blood products from the PICC was avoided to prevent the occurrence of PICC-related thrombosis. In this study, no PICC-related complications, such as arrhythmia, cardiac tamponade, or serious complications, were found in seven patients.

Establishment of special case files

In clinical practice, some neonates require removal and reinsertion of the current PICC catheter due to an ectopic placement, pleural effusion, catheter-related bloodstream infection, or repeated changes in the condition, among other reasons. After the first catheterization, the case data should be recorded in a special case database, which can provide a reference for the second or additional catheterizations. In this study, the records of all patients who underwent PICC placement were stored in a computer, and a separate form was used for the newborn who was diagnosed with PLSVC. The records of the eight patients in this study included the following information: (1) General information: Name, sex, registration number, date of birth, gestational age, birth weight, etc.; (2) Imaging data: Cardiac ultrasound, chest X-ray, type of PLSVC, etc.; and (3) Data related to the first catheterization: Age at PICC placement, weight at the time of catheterization, puncture site, length of catheterization, exposed catheter length, catheter tip position, whether the catheter was adjusted after catheterization, days of PICC indwelling, PICC-related complications, etc. PLSVC was indicated on the discharge certificate, and the parents were informed during discharge to provide a reference for follow-up treatment.

Comparison of the traditional approach and TIMB method

Details of the TIMB method compared with the traditional approach and the challenges of the new approach are shown in Table 3.

Table 3 Comparison of the traditional approach with the TIMB method.

Traditional approach
TIMB methods
Timing of PICC placementOn the day of birthAt least 24 h after birth, except for under special circumstances, such as rescue
Review of imaging data before catheterizationN/ARetrospective analysis of imaging data should be performed before catheterization
Selection of the puncture siteThe first choice is the basilic vein of the upper limbs, both left and rightThe first choice is a lower limb vein; left upper limb and left scalp veins should be avoided in patients with PLSVC
Body surface measurement methodFrom the prepuncture point along the vein to the right sternoclavicular joint and down to the 1/2 intercostal spaceIn patients who were diagnosed with PLSVC by B-ultrasound before PICC placement, when a left-side puncture was required due to vascular conditions, the body surface length was measured from the left puncture point along the vein to the left sternoclavicular joint plus 0.5 cm. If we chose to insert the PICC from a lower limb or right limb, the body surface length was measured in the same manner as in the traditional approach
Whether under B-ultrasound guidanceNoYes
Summary and challengesUsing this traditional approach will reduce the first-attempt success rate of PICC placement and limit the ability to discover cardiovascular abnormalities in a timely manner. The use of one measurement method could lead to the PICC tip position being too deep or too shallow. In addition, not using B-ultrasound guidance could also cause the PICC tip position to be too deep or too shallowUsing this new approach can improve the first-attempt success rate of PICC placement, reveal cardiovascular abnormalities in advance, allow the selection of different measurement methods reasonably according to the puncture site, and finally, improve the accuracy of catheter positioning through the use of B-ultrasound guidance. The new method, summarized after application in 8 neonates, still has certain limitations, and a large sample is needed for further research
CONCLUSION

PICC placement has a long history, but neonates with PLSVC are rare clinically. How to identify complications early and take effective measures to prevent the occurrence of serious complications deserves the attention of all medical staff. Therefore, we introduce the concept of the “TIMB” bundle, which has seldom been mentioned in previous studies. In our research, the “TIMB” bundle, defined as follows, was useful for PICC placement in neonates with PLSVC: T (Time): Initially, PICC placement should be delayed until at least 24 h after birth in elective clinical settings; I (Imaging data): The imaging data of the infants should be retrospectively analyzed before catheterization; M (Measurement): Left upper extremity and left head and neck vein catheterization should be avoided in patients with PLSVC, and the body surface length should be measured correctly when left-side puncture is selected; and B (B-ultrasound): The tip of the PICC is placed in the middle and lower 1/3 of the left superior vena cava under the guidance of B-ultrasound to ensure the safe use of a PICC in neonates with PLSVC.

After catheterization, the influence of different PLSVC types on PICC use should be correctly judged in all patients. The vital signs and clinical manifestations of the patients should be carefully observed during catheter use, and PICC-related complications should be identified in a timely manner and adequately addressed. Finally, a special case file should be established to ensure safe PICC use in neonates with PLSVC.

Although this case report has some limitations, such as selection bias, it provides useful advice on how to perform PICC placement in neonates with PLSVC.

Footnotes

Manuscript source: Unsolicited manuscript

Specialty type: Medicine, research and experimental

Country/Territory of origin: China

Peer-review report’s scientific quality classification

Grade A (Excellent): 0

Grade B (Very good): 0

Grade C (Good): C, C

Grade D (Fair): 0

Grade E (Poor): 0

P-Reviewer: Cimen SG, Islam SMRU S-Editor: Fan JR L-Editor: Wang TQ P-Editor: Li X

References
1.  Fares WH, Birchard KR, Yankaskas JR. Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava Identified During Central Line Placement: A Case Report. Respir Med CME. 2011;4:141-143.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 9]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 11]  [Article Influence: 0.8]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
2.  Jie LL  Pathological anatomy and ultrasound diagnosis of fetal heart. People's Medical Publishing House, 2010.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]
3.  Esmer AÇ, Yüksel A, Calı H, Ozsürmeli M, Omeroğlu RE, Kalelioğlu I, Has R. Prenatal diagnosis of persistent left superior vena cava and its clinical significance. Balkan Med J. 2014;31:50-54.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 6]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 14]  [Article Influence: 1.4]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
4.  Evidence-Based Medicine Group; Neonatologist Society;  Chinese Medical Doctor Association. . [Operation and management guidelines for peripherally inserted central catheter in neonates (2021)]. Zhongguo Dang Dai Er Ke Za Zhi. 2021;23:201-212.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 8]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
5.  Shao XM, Ye HM, Qiu XS.   Practice of Neonatology, 5th ed. People's Medical Publishing House, 2019.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]
6.  Gorski LA. The 2016 Infusion Therapy Standards of Practice. Home Healthc Now. 2017;35:10-18.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 131]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 160]  [Article Influence: 26.7]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
7.  Wang M, Wang YL, Han YF. Nursing Care of 4 Cases of Persistent Left Superior Vena Cava Patients with PICC Ectopic Position. Zhonghua Huli Zazhi. 2011;46:1018-1019.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]
8.  Joshi D, Ridley N, Imam A. The value of a chest radiograph for diagnosing a misplaced PICC line in the persistent left-sided superior vena cava. BMJ Case Rep. 2014;2014.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 3]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 3]  [Article Influence: 0.3]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
9.  Li XY, Yuan Y, Zhang P. Clinical study of isolated persistent left superior vena cava malformation. Shoudu Yi Ke Daxue Xuebao. 2013;34:308-314.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]
10.  National Health Commission of the People’s Republic of China  Nursing technical operation specification for intravenous therapy, 2013. [cited 1 May 2014]. Available from: www.nhc.gov.cn/wjw/pjl/201412/806fe9a7171e4cf584c0d40ed093dfa7.shtml.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]
11.  Shyamkumar NK, Brown R. Double superior vena cava with a persistent left superior vena cava: an incidental finding during peripherally inserted central catheter placement. Australas Radiol. 2007;51 Suppl:B257-B259.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]  [Cited by in Crossref: 10]  [Cited by in F6Publishing: 12]  [Article Influence: 0.8]  [Reference Citation Analysis (0)]
12.  Luo FX, Chen SH, Cheng XY, Fan XY, Wang Q, Yin YJ. A correlation analysis of PICC tip position and weight gaining in very low birth weight infants. Zhonghua Huli Zazhi. 2017;52:949-953.  [PubMed]  [DOI]  [Cited in This Article: ]