Highlights ■ Assessing how vascular access devices affect quality of life is essential to effectively manage chemotherapy patients. ■ The translation and validation of the QoLVAD questionnaire demonstrated that the Brazilian Portuguese version can be applied to the Brazilian population. ABSTRACT Background: The use of long-term devices for chemotherapy in neoplastic diseases is very common. The CAVA trial was an extensive study that prospectively evaluated more than 1000 patients undergoing chemotherapy and randomly allocated them to three groups based on […]

Highlights The highest cost is for materials, followed by the staff’s labor costs. The total cost of peripherally inserted central catheterization is US$ 217.14. Measuring the estimated average direct cost allows financial visibility of the inputs used. ABSTRACT Objective: This study aimed to estimate the direct costs of peripherally inserted central catheterization by nurses for hospitalized patients. Methods: A cost estimation study using a quantitative approach was conducted in a public teaching hospital in northern Paraná to calculate the direct […]

Highlights Long-term catheter flushing for >90 days has preserved function. Ports cleaned after 90 days have the same colonization rate as those flushed early. Long-term catheters may be colonized in asymptomatic patients. The longer port cleaning interval reduces costs. ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the incidence of malfunction and colonization rates of fully implantable long-term catheters left unflushed during the COVID-19 pandemic; and to evaluate the average cost of transporting each patient to the hospital for flushing. Methods: During the COVID-19 […]

ABSTRACT Vascular punctures are often necessary in critically ill patients. They are secure, but not free of complications. Ultrasonography enhances safety of the procedure by decreasing puncture attempts, complications and costs. This study reviews important publications and the puncture technique using ultrasound, bringing part of the experience of the intensive care unit of the Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo (SP), Brazil, and discussing issues that should be considered in future studies.