Evaluation of the Efficacy of a Novel Dermatotomy Device for Central Venous Cannulation.

OBJECTIVE

To test the effectiveness of a novel wire-guided scalpel (Guideblade) to create a precise dermatotomy incision for central venous catheter (CVC) insertion.

DESIGN

Prospective, nonrandomized interventional study.

SETTING

Stanford University, single-center teaching hospital.

PARTICIPANTS

Cardiac and vascular surgical patients (n = 100) with planned CVC insertion for operation.

INTERVENTIONS: A wire-guided scalpel was used during CVC insertion.

RESULTS

A total of 188 CVCs were performed successfully with a wire-guided scalpel without the need for additional equipment in 100 patients, and 94% of CVCs were accomplished with only a single dermatotomy attempt. "No bleeding" or "minimal bleeding" at the insertion site was observed in 90% of patients 30 minutes after insertion and 80.7% at the conclusion of surgery.

CONCLUSION

The wire-guided scalpel was effective in performing dermatotomy for CVC with a 100% success rate and a very high first-attempt rate. The wire-guided scalpel may decrease bleeding at the CVC insertion site.