Using ultrasound to place IV catheters in cancer emergency patients

Ultrasound-guided Peripheral Intravenous Catheter Placement in an Oncologic Emergency Department - a Prospective, Randomized Controlled Trial of Catheter Lengths

Not applicable Interventional M.D. Anderson Cancer Center · NCT06217783

This study is testing whether different lengths of IV catheters can improve the success of placing them in cancer patients who have trouble with their veins during emergencies.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment400 (estimated)
Ages18 Years and up
SexAll
SponsorM.D. Anderson Cancer Center Academic / other
Locations1 site (Houston, Texas)
Trial IDNCT06217783 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This clinical trial investigates the impact of different catheter lengths on the success and failure rates of ultrasound-guided intravenous (IV) catheter placements in patients experiencing oncologic emergencies. The study aims to determine the rate of catheter failure, defined as removal for reasons other than completion of care, within a 10-day period. Secondary objectives include analyzing the time from catheter placement to removal, the rate of repeat catheterizations, and the incidence of complications such as infection and thrombosis. Participants will be adults with difficult IV access who are expected to stay in the hospital for more than 48 hours.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates are adults over 18 years old with difficult IV access who are expected to be hospitalized for more than 48 hours.

Not a fit: Patients who are expected to be discharged shortly or those unable to provide informed consent will not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the effectiveness and safety of IV catheter placements in patients with cancer-related emergencies.

How similar studies have performed: Other studies have shown varying success with ultrasound-guided IV placements, but this specific focus on catheter length is relatively novel.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age \> 18 years old.
2. Provision of signed and dated informed consent form.
3. Predetermined to have difficult IV access necessitating USIV placement
4. Expected admission to hospital with anticipated stay \> 48 hours (per discussion with treating physician).

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Expected/anticipated discharge disposition from the ACCC (per discussion with treating physician).
2. Inability to give informed consent.
3. Pregnant women.
4. Non-English speaking participants.

Where this trial is running

Houston, Texas

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Oncologic Complications and Emergencies
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.