Safety and feasibility of the paediatric post-cardiac catheterisation Wrap: a pilot study.

OBJECTIVE

The paediatric post-cardiac catheterisation Wrap (Wrap), an innovative medical safety device, swaddles young paediatric patients in a supine position aiding in immobilisation post-cardiac catheterisation. This pilot study investigated the feasibility and safety of using the Wrap on young paediatric patients during their bed rest period following cardiac catheterisation with femoral access.

SETTING

Boston Children's Hospital Cardiac Catheterization Lab.

PARTICIPANTS

20 patients, ages 1-5 years and weighing 3-25 kg.

METHODS

Investigator-developed tools used to collect data included the Demographic and Outcome Measures Data Tool, the Parent/Caregiver Satisfaction, and Provider Ease of Use tools. They measured: 1. The feasibility of using the Wrap 2. Wrap ease of use from the nurse providers' perspective 3. Parent satisfaction related to the Wrap 4. Frequency of Wrap non-bleeding-related adverse events 5. Frequency of rebleeding at femoral groin access sites.

RESULTS

The Wrap was feasible and safe; increased nurse provider satisfaction by allowing visualisation of the groin access sites while minimising the need for hands-on care; and increased parent satisfaction by allowing parents to hold and provide comfort while their child was on bed rest.

IMPLICATIONS FOR RESEARCH: The Wrap is a safe alternative to the current practice of swaddling with a bath blanket. Further studies are warranted to assess the Wrap's effectiveness in reducing the incidence of rebleeding events in the post-cardiac catheterisation period and explore clinical use outside of the Cardiac Catheterization Lab.