The diagnostic value of intracavitary electrocardiogram for verifying tip position of peripherally inserted central catheters in cancer patients: A retrospective multicenter study

Purpose:To evaluate the feasibility and accuracy of intracavitary electrocardiogram for verifying tip position of peripherally inserted central catheters in cancer patients during follow-up period.Methods:From March 2015 to October 2015, 126 patients involved in eight hospitals who underwent peripherally inserted central catheter placement received intracavitary electrocardiogram and chest X-ray to verify position of the catheter tip during follow-up period. Their intracavitary electrocardiogram was compared with surface electrocardiogram to judge catheter tip landing zone in one of three different anatomical zones. The amplitude of intracavitary electrocardiogram P wave and the ratio of intracavitary electrocardiogram P wave/surface electrocardiogram P wave were measured and showed correlation with catheter tip position confirmed by chest X-ray. Based on chest X-ray principle, all the cases were assigned into three intracavitary electrocardiogram groups to explore the optimal cut-off values for intracavi...