Prevalence of difficult venous access and associated risk factors in highly complex hospitalised patients.

Aims And Objectives: To estimate the prevalence of difficult venous access in complex patients with multimorbidity and to identify associated risk factors.

Background: In highly complex patients, factors like ageing, the need for frequent use of irritant medication and multiple venous catheterisations to complete treatment could contribute to exhaustion of venous access.

Design: A cross-sectional study was conducted.

[Ultrasound-guided peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) in cancer patients: success of the insertion, survival and complications].

Objective: To evaluate the results of peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) inserted by nurses using an ultrasound-guided technique at bed-side.

Methods: An observational and prospective study was conducted on all the PICC inserted at bed-side by an ultrasound-guided technique at the Araba University Hospital. The technique was introduced in June 2010, and the data collection period ended in November 2011.