Background: We have previously showed how implementing the Michigan Appropriateness Guide for Intravenous Catheters (MAGIC) to inform peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) use can lead to more appropriate device use. In this analysis, we assessed the association between appropriateness and PICC-related complications. We hypothesized that improved PICC appropriateness is associated with reduced major PICC complications [...]

Background: Patients with cancer require reliable venous access for therapy. Although peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs) and implanted ports are often used to meet infusion needs, risk of complications between these devices is unknown. We did a systematic review and meta-analysis to compare the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), exit-site complications and central line-associated [...]

Background: Guidelines suggest venous thromboembolism risk stratification, and against use of prophylaxis in low risk medically ill hospitalized patients. Our hospital did not have a formal risk stratification process embedded into the electronic medical record (EMR) for provider use, and therefore it was common practice to administer pharmacologic prophylaxis to most medically ill patients regardless [...]

Case Presentation: A 59-year-old man with a history of a chronic provoked bilateral pulmonary embolism with left lower extremity deep vein thrombosis (DVT), Non-ST-elevation myocardial infarction and hypercholesterolemia presented to the emergency department with acute, severe, constant left calf pain and swelling, exacerbated by standing. He stated that “I think I have another blood clot [...]

Case Presentation: The patient is a 56-year-old Caucasian male who presented from an outside hospital (OSH) for recurrent chylous ascites. Four years ago, he was diagnosed with unprovoked left subclavian and left internal jugular deep vein thromboses (DVTs) and had been placed on chronic warfarin therapy. At that time, he developed chylous ascites which resolved [...]

Background: We have previously showed how implementing the Michigan Appropriateness Guide for Intravenous Catheters (MAGIC) to inform peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) use can lead to more appropriate device use. In this analysis, we assessed the association between appropriateness and PICC-related complications. We hypothesized that improved PICC appropriateness is associated with reduced major PICC complications [...]