AVA Meeting To Focus On Ultrasound Usage In Vascular Access

Main Category: Cardiovascular / Cardiology
Also Included In: Medical Devices / Diagnostics;  MRI / PET / Ultrasound
Article Date: 05 Sep 2008 - 3:00 PDT

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The upcoming annual conference of the Association for Vascular Access (AVA) will include several presentations on ultrasound-guided placement of central venous catheters and peripherally inserted central catheters.

Ultrasound guidance is increasingly used for the placement of central venous catheters (CVCs) and, in particular, peripherally inserted central (PICC) catheters, Ultrasound improves the rate of successful placements, reduces the number of venipunctures required for a successful placement, and reduces the number of catheter-related complications. These benefits increase patient safety and comfort, while reducing cost of care.

AVA will hold its 22nd Annual Scientific Meeting Sept. 11-14 in Savannah, Ga. AVA is the nation's leading organization dedicated to the growing field of vascular access.

AVA will offer its first Ultrasound Certification Program, at the conference site immediately following the conference's conclusion. The program is offered free-of-charge to all members attending the conference.

Among other conference events on ultrasound guidance:

- A poster presentation will describe a study comparing various techniques for ultrasound-guided insertion of CVCs. The study showed that the greatest reduction of complications occurs when the brachiocephalic vein is selected. Mauro Pittiruti, MD and colleagues at Catholic University in Rome, Italy, authored the study.

- Another poster will examine the benefits of ultrasound-guided PICC placement at University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Shadyside (UPMC). Ultrasound guidance improved PICC insertion success from 52 percent to 75 percent, saved nearly $1.2 million because of fewer referrals to interventional radiologists to place the lines, and improved patient safety and satisfaction. The poster is by Carol Gussman, RN of UPMC Shadyside.

"Ultrasound guidance is transforming the field of central catheter placement," said AVA's CEO, Kathy McHugh, RN, BSN. "It has many advantages, both clinically and financially. But as happens with any new trend, issues related to the procedure have arisen and must be confronted. Our conference will help spread the word about the benefits of ultrasound and also the most efficacious way to apply it."

Besides the emphasis on ultrasound guidance, the AVA conference will include a focus on catheter-related bloodstream infections (CR-BSI). Topics to be explored include approaches that can totally eliminate these infections.

This year's AVA conference will also feature the first annual Wise Foundation Gala, to raise funds for the foundation. AVA launched the Wise Foundation for Vascular Access Education & Research in 2008, to help fund vascular access education and research.

Ms. McHugh will also be presenting at the conference. Her talk, "Business Strategies for Vascular Access Services," makes the financial case for healthcare institutions to have their own vascular access service. The talk is designed to aid AVA members in marketing services to administrative leaders of their institutions as a strategy to eliminate CR-BSI and other complications.

About AVA

The Association for Vascular Access is a multidisciplinary organization composed of clinicians, educators, regulators and manufacturers from the field of vascular access. AVA provides an opportunity for these individuals to improve practice and patient outcomes by focusing on education, research, and new product innovations. AVA is the premier professional organization for those individuals in vascular access who are leading the thoughts and actions of others in the field.

Association for Vascular Access