Peripherally Inserted Central Venous Catheter Use for Conjoined twins: A Single Center Experience

Introduction: Conjoined twins pose a challenge for radiologists and other specialists, requiring a tailored diagnostic and interventional approach for each set of twins. This study aims to assess the safety, efficacy, and feasibility of peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC) use in conjoined twins.

Method(s): This is a retrospective chart review of hospital records at King Abdulaziz Medical City (KAMC) in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The identified patients’ records were examined with a standardized data collection sheet to ensure the consistency of the information gathered. KAMC is a renowned national center for conjoined twin separation with many interventional procedures performed on conjoined twins. The study included 17 conjoined twins for whom 25 PICCs were inserted by interventional radiology.

Result(s): A total of 25 PICCs were inserted. Thirteen of the 25 procedures were performed before separation. Patients under 12 months old were found to be significantly more likely to develop postoperative complications (p-value = 0.005). Six post-op complications occurred including malpositioning, infection, and irritation.

Conclusion(s): Peripherally inserted central venous catheter use for conjoined twins is safe and feasible and provides a valuable option for long-term venous access.

Publication History

Article published online:
09 February 2023