I have noticed that some radiologist are describing port tip location as mid right atrium instead of CAJ, SVC.
Also, with the EKG PICC placement technology tip is not described in terms of centimeters from CAJ.
Has anyone else noticed this? Is this a new trend?
Mid right atrium as the tip location means that the tip is located too far into the right atrium and is not at the cavoatrial junction. This tip location could increase the problems with arrhythmias and erosion through the cardiac muscle leading to pericardial effusion and possible tamponade. This should be brought to the attention of the inserting physician. This is not a new problem and it is not a new way to describe the CAJ. Your radiologist may hold the belief that tip location is not that important or that inside the RA is the most appropriate. You will need to have all documents supporting the CAJ to support your position. This IR should also be expected to produce evidence to support his/her practice decision. This probably should go to the appropriate committee to decide how this practice should be standardized in your facility. Lynn
Lynn Hadaway, M.Ed., RN, BC, CRNI
Lynn Hadaway Associates, Inc.
126 Main Street, PO Box 10
Milner, GA 30257
Website http://www.hadawayassociates.com
Office Phone 770-358-7861