Not a scientific study but quite an eye-opener. With the assistance of the biometric department, we reviewed 39 cases of upper extremity DVT's. Out of the 39, 11 had a CVC catheter, 7 had a PICC catheter and the rest had an antecubital IV usually started in the basilic vein. In most cases, the pattern of the thrombus formation indicated that the DVT origin was from that antecubital IV. I have been able to convince our hospital to place in our policy to remove antecubital IV's asap especially if a large bore catheter has been placed (an ER habit)
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Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, BC, CRNI
www.hadawayassociates.com
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, NPD-BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861