Comparison of the Self-invented Intracavitary ECG Wire With the Commercial System - Certodyn®

Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC) is considered a central venous line placement (CVL) which mandates the confirmation of the tip's location. At present, most CVL's position are confirmed by radiographic method either by in-procedure fluoroscopy or post-insertion x-ray. For CVLs placed from upper body (from internal jugular vein, subclavian veins or upper arm veins), the intracavitary electrocardiogram (iECG) can also be used.

Intracavitary ECG are proven effective for tip confirmation and provide some benefits i.e. lower cost, decrease exposure to harmful radiation for care providers and also the patients, require less personals and equipments, provide real-time confirmation as comparable to fluoroscopy, etc. There are several devices and makes of iECG apparatus but B.Braun-Certodyn® remains the only available system in our institution. The limitation is the availability of the Certodyn devices on each locations where CVL will be placed i.e. operating theater, intensive care unit, bedside placement, radiology suite, etc. Since the connecting wire is only supplied in the certain CVL kits under B.Braun brand, this has rendered iECG for other types or makes of CVL or PICC line become even more difficult.

Self-invented connector wire for iECG (PS wire) has been made and used effectively in the past few years at Siriraj hospital. The patent registration is underway and the author seek to compare this PS wire against the commercial Certodyn system.