A multicenter retrospective study on 4480 implanted PICC-ports: A GAVeCeLT project.

Background: PICC-ports may be defined as totally implantable central venous devices inserted in the upper limb using the current state-of-the-art techniques of PICC insertion (ultrasound-guided venipuncture of deep veins of the arm, micro-puncture kits, proper location of the tip preferably by intracavitary ECG), with placement of the reservoir at the middle third of the arm. A previous report on breast cancer patients demonstrated the safety and efficacy of these devices, with a very low failure rate.

Methods: This retrospective multicenter cohort study-developed by GAVeCeLT (the Italian Group of Long-Term Venous Access Devices)-investigated the outcomes of PICC-ports in a large cohort of unselected patients.

Midline catheters for extracorporeal photopheresis in hematological patients.

Introduction: Peripheral venous access for extracorporeal photopheresis (ECP) may be difficult in graft versus host disease (GVHD) patients, because of previous intravenous therapies and multiple peripheral cannulations; in this population of patients, ultrasound guided midline catheters may be an alternative option to central venous access.

Methods: In this single-center, prospective preliminary study, we enrolled all consecutive patients with a diagnosis of GVHD and candidate to ECP, over a period of 10 months. We used inserted power injectable, non-valved, polyurethane, 20-25 cm single lumen midline catheters (MC).

Secondary malposition of a PICC-port due to heavy physical exercise: A case report.

Physical exercise is often encouraged in cancer patients, mainly for the purpose of rehabilitation and for its psychological benefit. Some authors also suggest that exercise-specially in patient with peripherally inserted central venous access devices-may contribute to reduce the risk of catheter-related thrombosis. Still, the impact of physical exercise on the risk of device-related complications is not yet defined.

Ultrasound-guided cannulation of the superficial femoral vein for central venous access.

Background: In some clinical conditions, central venous access is preferably or necessarily achieved by threading the catheter into the inferior vena cava. This can be obtained not only by puncture of the common femoral vein at the groin, but also-as suggested by few recent studies-by puncture of the superficial femoral vein at mid-thigh.

Methods: We have retrospectively reviewed our experience with central catheters inserted by ultrasound-guided puncture and cannulation of the superficial femoral vein, focusing mainly on indications, technique of venipuncture, and incidence of immediate/early complications.

Clinical experience of a subcutaneously anchored sutureless system for securing central venous catheters.

This article reports the results of three prospective clinical studies conducted in a university hospital regarding the efficacy, safety and cost effectiveness of a subcutaneously anchored sutureless system for securing central venous catheters. The results were favourable to the adoption of such a device, and the analysis of the data allowed the authors to define those categories of patients where the device should have the most benefit: neonates, children, non-compliant older patients with cognitive difficulties, patients with skin abnormalities that may reduce the effectiveness of a skin-adhesive sutureless securement system, patients who are candidates for having a peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) in place for more than 8 weeks, and any other category of patients with a recognised high risk of catheter dislodgement.

Correlation between Subpubic Arch Angle and Mode of Delivery in Large-for-Gestational-Age Fetuses.

Objectives: A narrow subpubic arch angle (SPA) has been associated with a higher risk of operative delivery and prolonged labor. The aim of this study was to evaluate the correlation between SPA and labor outcome in a cohort of women delivering a large-for-gestational-age (LGA) fetus.

Methods: An observational study involving two Italian tertiary centers (Parma and Rome) was carried out.

Uterine smooth muscle tumors of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP): pathology, follow-up and recurrence.

The term smooth uterine muscle of uncertain malignant potential (STUMPs) indicates a group of uterine smooth muscle tumors (SMTs) that cannot be diagnosed unequivocally as benign or malignant. Diagnosis, surgical management, and follow-up of this neoplasm remain controversial, especially in pre-menopausal women with fertility desire, due to the non aggressive behaviour and prolonged survival rate when compared to leiomyosarcomas. However, recurrence is estimated between 8.

[The ISP (Safe Insertion of PICCs) protocol: a bundle of 8 recommendations to minimize the complications related to the peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICC)].

Unlabelled: The ISP (Safe Insertion of PICCs) protocol: a bundle of 8 recommendations to minimize the complications related to the peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICC).

Introduction: The insertion of a peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC) is not without risks.

Aim: The Italian Group for the Study of Long-Term Central Venous Access Devices (GAVeCeLT) has developed a protocol (SIP: Safe Implantation of PICCs) with the aim of minimizing the risks which may be associated with the placement of PICCs.

Female stress urinary incontinence: clinical efficacy and satisfaction after transobturator adjustable tape sling. An observational longitudinal cohort study.

We performed an observational longitudinal cohort study on patients affected by stress urinary incontinence (SUI) and surgically treated with a transobturator adjustable tape sling (TOA) in order to evaluate this surgical procedure in terms of efficacy, safety, quality of life (QoL) improvement, and patient satisfaction. For all patients, we recorded: general features, preoperative SUI risk factors, obstetrics history, preoperative urodynamic tests, intraoperative/postoperative complications, number of postoperative sling regulations, postmicturition residue, and hospital stay. All patients were asked to complete the validated short version of the Urogenital Distress Inventory (UDI-6) questionnaire 18 months after discharge to evaluate the efficacy of the TOA system.