 We have been having problems getting accurate CVP reading from the SOLO Power PICC. I just reviewed what Bard has said about it. OK to still use for this function  just ensure adequate tip placement......flush vigorously...ensure tranducer is at the leverl of the RA... and keep a continuous infusion of at least 3 ml per hr. I am still not certain if I even like the idea of using it for this. We are thinking about just using the original Power PICC and using the SOLO on patients that do not need or may not need CVP monitoring (as best as one can say at the time). Has any one else had problems and more importantly what have you decided. Our facility uses mostly PICCs now in all of our ICUs. We place 180-200 per month.
It has always been my understanding that any catheter with an integral valve can not be used for CVP reading. Has Bard Access provided written information about this to you? Do they have clinical or lab testing to support this? Sure would like to know if this is technically possible.
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, BC, CRNI
www.hadawayassociates.com
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861
Lynn, This was our first question when we first looked at the catheter and we were re-assured that it could be used for this purpose and they also indicated that any of the lumens on the multi-lumen designs could be used. I will check into wheter or not they have clinical evidence to support this claim I am rather doubting it as there was not a great deal between the launch of the original Power PICCs and the SOLO Power PICC.
My friend called mefrom another facility to discuss the problem with me and the first words out of my mouth were " Its the valve". They could not even get a reading from any of the lumens. If the results are dampened or inaccurate how can we ethically treat people based on that when we indeed have a better option. I will contact our BARD rep and see what they have to say.
Always, always, always, expect to get these types of statements in writing with the company logo on it. Lynn
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, BC, CRNI
www.hadawayassociates.com
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861
You are welcome. I mean no offense to the sales reps who monitor this list. Most serve a vital purpose and only verbalize the information taught to them by the company, but there are some who will tell you what they think you want to hear regardless of whether it is accurate or not. Anything that is spoken by any manufacturer's representative is considered to be labeling, but many take great liberties with that labeling when actually discussing the product with customers.
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, BC, CRNI
www.hadawayassociates.com
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861
I had made a comment on a different thread about inline catheter valves. If an inline valve is working it is closed all of the time unless you are infusing fluid. Measureing pressures with a "closed" valve will be difficult at best. The reason they recommend a slow drip is to open the valve a little hoping that will help. A good inline valve will stay closed under any possible blood pressures that can be generated in the right atrium of the heart, that is a good thing unless you want to take pressure readings.
ValveMan