Comparative Study of Techniques for Restoring Function in Thrombotically Occluded Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters: An In Vitro Model Study

Objective: To compare the efficacy, safety, and operational efficiency of the intermittent negative-pressure guidewire technique and the stay-locking technique in restoring the function of thrombotically occluded peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs). Methods: An in vitro thrombotically occluded PICC model was created using 110 catheters, with successful occlusion established in 90. The experimental group comprised 43 models treated with the intermittent negative-pressure guidewire technique, while the control group included 45 models treated using the stay-locking technique. Relevant procedural data were collected and analyzed statistically. Results: The success rate was significantly higher in the experimental group (62.79%) compared with the control group (4.44%, P < .0001). There was no significant difference in the incidence of thrombus overflow at the catheter tip between groups ( P = .704); however, the length of thrombus overflow was significantly greater in the control group ( P = .001). Additionally, successful interventions were associated with significantly shorter operation times and significantly higher-pressure recovery rates ( P < .0001 for both comparisons). Conclusion: In an in vitro model of thrombotically occluded PICCs, the intermittent negative-pressure guidewire technique demonstrated superior efficacy, including shorter operation time and higher success rates, compared with the stay-locking technique. The marked increase in the pressure recovery rate in successful cases indicates the technique’s effectiveness in restoring catheter function.