Magnetic tracking and ECG-guided tip confirmation for PICC placement
Magnetic Tracking and Electrocardiography-Guided Tip Confirmation System for Placement of Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters
This project tests whether a magnetic tracking tip confirmation system (Sherlock 3CG) leads to more accurate and faster PICC tip placement than traditional ECG-guided positioning in cancer patients at high risk for PICC-related thrombosis.
Quick facts
| Study type | Observational |
|---|---|
| Enrollment | 176 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years to 80 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Sun Yat-sen University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Guangzhou, Guangdong) |
| Trial ID | NCT07369427 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This prospective observational study enrolled cancer patients receiving PICC placement at a tertiary oncology center in Guangzhou between January 1 and May 30, 2026. Patients underwent tip positioning either with electromagnetic navigation using the Sherlock 3CG system or with standard ECG-guided confirmation, and procedural details were recorded. Outcomes included first-attempt success rate, tip positioning accuracy, procedure time, post-procedural catheter adjustment time, and complications (thrombosis, infection, catheter dysfunction) within 4 weeks. The two techniques were compared to determine whether magnetic tracking offers advantages in accuracy, speed, or complication reduction for a high-risk oncology population.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are cancer patients receiving PICC placement who are at high risk for PICC-related thrombosis (Caprini score ≥ 5), agree to PICC maintenance at the research hospital, and can provide informed consent.
Not a fit: Patients with PICCs placed in the lower limb or those with estimated survival under one month are excluded and unlikely to benefit from the findings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the magnetic tracking approach could reduce malposition and the need for post-procedure adjustments, improving safety and convenience for high-risk cancer patients with PICCs.
How similar studies have performed: Previous work with electromagnetic tip confirmation systems like Sherlock 3CG has shown improved tip placement accuracy and reduced need for post-procedure X-rays in many settings, although results can vary by center and patient group.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * cancer patients receiving PICC placement * High risk of PICC-related thrombosis(Evaluated by Caprini score ≥ 5) * Agree to receive PICC maintenance at the research hospital; * Sign the informed consent form Exclusion Criteria: * PICC placed in the lower limb * Estimated survival time less than one month
Where this trial is running
Guangzhou, Guangdong
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center — Guangzhou, Guangdong, China (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Zeyin Hu, Master
- Email: huzy@sysucc.org.cn
- Phone: +8615899954190
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.