(F5) Initiating Mid-Thigh FICC Insertions in the Veteran Population: A New Pathway to Reliable Vascular Access

Patient populations with limitations in vasculature, such as those diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD), and mediastinal cancers have a higher need for reliable vascular access. The veteran population has been known to have poorer health outcomes when compared to the civilian population. Veterans have a higher prevalence of cancers, endocrine disorders, heart disease, and chronic kidney disease (CKD) leading to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Given the high prevalence of these conditions, obtaining reliable vascular access for IV therapy administration and completion becomes a complex and challenging task. The adoption of mid-thigh FICCs has revolutionize our current practice in providing reliable, safe and effective vascular access to veterans suffering from limited vasculature, due to conditions such as ESRD, CKD, tumors affecting the mediastinum, contractures, coagulopathies, multiple devices occupying central vasculature, and in patients that due to their clinical conditions may be too unstable to tolerate safe insertion positions (Trendelenburg).