The importance of choosing the right device & insertion technique<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nDuring the webinar, Roland van Rens presented compelling data from a large-scale retrospective cohort study conducted in a NICU in Doha, Qatar. The study spanned three years and analysed 1,445 catheter insertions<\/strong>, comparing conventional techniques with MST using a dedicated micro-insertion kit.<\/p>\n\n\n\nKey Findings from the Study<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\n\nFirst-Attempt Success Rate<\/strong>\n\nConventional technique<\/strong>: 88%<\/li>\n\n\n\nMST<\/strong>: 91%<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\nThis improvement, though seemingly modest, is clinically significant. In neonatal care, every additional attempt increases the risk of trauma, infection, and stress for the baby. A higher first-attempt success rate means fewer punctures, less pain, and faster access to therapy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nComplication Reduction<\/strong>\n\nConventional technique<\/strong>: 39 complications<\/li>\n\n\n\nMST<\/strong>: 8 complications<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\nThe types of complications tracked included catheter damage, accidental removal, occlusions, leakage, infections, extravasation, and infiltration. MST\u2019s design using a micro-puncture needle and soft guidewire minimises<\/strong> vessel<\/strong> trauma<\/strong> and reduces the likelihood of these adverse events<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nCLABSI Rate (Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infections)<\/strong>\n\nConventional technique<\/strong>: 3.45 per 1,000 catheter days<\/li>\n\n\n\nMST<\/strong>: 1.06 per 1,000 catheter days<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\nThis represents a 69% reduction<\/strong> in bloodstream infections, a critical metric in neonatal care. Lower CLABSI rates translate to improved patient outcomes, shorter hospital stays and reduced antibiotic use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nCatheter Longevity<\/strong><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\nMST also contributed to longer catheter dwell times. With fewer complications and better insertion success, catheters remained functional for extended periods, reducing the need for repeated procedures and preserving venous access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
From Technique to Strategy: VAMP<\/strong><\/h4>\n\n\n\nImplementing MST is not just about switching tools, it\u2019s about changing mindset. The webinar introduced the concept of a Vascular Access Management Plan (VAMP)<\/strong>, built on the \u201c7 Rights of Neonatal Vascular Access\u201d:<\/p>\n\n\n\nThis proactive approach replaces reactive decisions made only when a catheter fails. With a global approach and a structured VAMP, teams can anticipate access needs<\/strong>, reduce complications, and improve the overall experience for patients, families, and healthcare professionals.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nTraining and Teamwork: The Key to Success<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nMST requires proper training. It\u2019s not enough to have the right kit. You need the right skills. The webinar emphasised the importance of:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nStandardised training programs<\/li>\n\n\n\n Hands-on training simulation<\/li>\n\n\n\n Visualisation of veins using ultrasound<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nA dedicated vascular access team<\/strong> including nurses, neonatologists, educators, and even parents can facilitate training, monitor outcomes, and drive continuous improvement.<\/p>\n\n\n\nAnother study showed that introducing a specialised n-PICC team increased first-attempt success rates from 58.6% to 67.2%,<\/strong> and overall success from 81.7% to 97.6%.<\/strong> Therapy failure rates dropped from 7.4% to 4.8%<\/strong>.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat You Can Do Today<\/strong><\/h5>\n\n\n\nIf you work in neonatal care, here\u2019s how you can start making a difference:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nEvaluate your current practice<\/strong>: How many attempts does it take to insert a catheter? What complications are you seeing?<\/li>\n\n\n\nTrain your team<\/strong>: Organise MST workshops and simulations.<\/li>\n\n\n\nImplement MST<\/strong>: Use neonatal-specific kits and follow the step-by-step protocol.<\/li>\n\n\n\nDesign a VAMP for each patient<\/strong>: Plan ahead instead of reacting to failures.<\/li>\n\n\n\nShare your results<\/strong>: Track your data and celebrate improvements.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nMST is more than a technique, it\u2019s a movement toward safer, smarter, and more compassionate neonatal care.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Further Global Validation<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\nThe webinar also referenced multiple international studies that support MST\u2019s effectiveness:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\nSong et al. (2018)<\/strong>: Randomised controlled trial showing MST increased success rates from 65% to 83%.<\/li>\n\n\n\nGupta et al. (2021)<\/strong>: Retrospective study with 100 catheters showing fewer punctures per successful insertion.<\/li>\n\n\n\nGibb et al<\/strong>. (2021):<\/strong> Retrospective study with 57 catheters showing an increase of first attempt, fewer punctures per successful insertion and cost effectiveness.<\/li>\n\n\n\nRodriguez et al. (2023)<\/strong>: RCT showing clinical benefits, though not statistically significant.<\/li>\n\n\n\nZinni et al. (2024)<\/strong>: Prospective study reporting 100% success with no complications.<\/li>\n\n\n\nVan Rens et al. (2024)<\/strong>: The Qatar study cited above, with the largest cohort and most comprehensive outcome analysis.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\nThese studies collectively demonstrate that MST is not only effective in controlled environments but also adaptable across diverse clinical settings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
References<\/strong><\/h6>\n\n\n\nLegemaat M, Carr PJ, van Rens RM, van Dijk M, Poslawsky IE, van den Hoogen A. Peripheral intravenous cannulation: complication rates in the neonatal population: a multicenter observational study<\/em>. J Vasc Access. (2016) 17(4):360\u20135. doi: 10.5301\/jva.50005582025-10<\/p>\n\n\n\nOdom B, Lowe L, Yates C. Peripheral infiltration and extravasation injury methodology: a retrospective study<\/em>. J Infus Nurs. (2018) 41(4):247\u201352. doi: 10.1097\/NAN.00000000000002872025-10<\/p>\n\n\n\nVan Rens MFPT, Hugill K, Mahmah MA, et al. Evaluation of unmodifiable and potentially modifiable factors affecting peripheral intravenous device-related complications in neonates: a retrospective observational study<\/em>. BMJ Open. (2021) 11(9):e047788. doi: 10.1136\/bmjopen-2020-0477882025-10<\/p>\n\n\n\nBayoumi MAA, van Rens MFPT, Chandra P, et al. Effect of implementing an Epicutaneo-Caval Catheter team in Neonatal Intensive Care Unit<\/em>. J Vasc Access. (2021) 22(2):243\u2013253. doi: 10.1177\/11297298209281822025-10<\/p>\n\n\n\nVan Rens MFPT, Hugill K, van der Lee R, et al. Comparing conventional and modified Seldinger techniques using a micro-insertion kit for PICC placement in neonates: a retrospective cohort study<\/em>. Front Pediatr. (2024) 12:1395395. doi: 10.3389\/fped.2024.13953952025-10<\/p>\n\n\n\nVan Rens M, Ostroff M, Bayoumi MAA. The Modern Role of Neonatal PICCs Subspecialty<\/em>. Nurs Crit Care. (2025) 30(4):e70111. doi: 10.1111\/nicc.701112025-10<\/p>\n\n\n\nMcIntyre C, August D, Cobbald L, et al. Neonatal Vascular Access Practice and Complications: An Observational Study of 1,375 Catheter Days<\/em>. J Perinat Neonatal Nurs. (2023) 37(4):332\u2013339. doi: 10.1097\/JPN.00000000000005892025-10<\/p>\n\n\n\nD. August et al. Peripheral intravenous catheter practices in Australian and New Zealand neonatal units: A cross-sectional survey<\/em>. Journal of Neonatal nursing. doi.org\/10.1016\/j.jnn.2019.03.002. (2019 October)<\/p>\n\n\n\nVan Rens MFPT, Bayoumi MAA, van de Hoogen A, et al. The ABBA project (Assess Better Before Access): A retrospective cohort study of neonatal intravascular device outcomes<\/em>. Front Pediatr. 2022;10:980725. (Published 2022 Nov 3). doi:10.3389\/fped.2022.980725<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"In Neonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs), vascular access is not optional, it\u2019s essential. Over 85% of NICU patients require some form of Vascular Access (VA) during their stay. Yet, the choice of device and insertion technique can dramatically affect outcomes. Repeated failed attempts, high complication rates, and vein depletion are common issues when conventional methods […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":141,"featured_media":52612,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[18],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-52606","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-neonatology"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/campusvygon.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52606","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/campusvygon.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/campusvygon.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/campusvygon.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/141"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/campusvygon.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=52606"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/campusvygon.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52606\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":52622,"href":"https:\/\/campusvygon.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52606\/revisions\/52622"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/campusvygon.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/52612"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/campusvygon.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=52606"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/campusvygon.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=52606"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/campusvygon.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=52606"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/campusvygon.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/9\/2026\/02\/infography-7-rights-of-VA.png\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n