Safety and feasibility of the paediatric post-cardiac catheterisation Wrap: a pilot study

Cardiol Young. 2022 Feb 2:1-10. doi: 10.1017/S1047951122000178. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Objective: The paediatric post-cardiac catheterisation Wrap (Wrap), an innovative medical safety device, swaddles young paediatric patients in a supine position aiding in immobilisation post-cardiac catheterisation. This pilot study investigated the feasibility and safety of using the Wrap on young paediatric patients during their bed rest period following cardiac catheterisation with femoral access.

Setting: Boston Children's Hospital Cardiac Catheterization Lab.

Participants: 20 patients, ages 1-5 years and weighing 3-25 kg.

Methods: Investigator-developed tools used to collect data included the Demographic and Outcome Measures Data Tool, the Parent/Caregiver Satisfaction, and Provider Ease of Use tools. They measured:1.The feasibility of using the Wrap2.Wrap ease of use from the nurse providers' perspective3.Parent satisfaction related to the Wrap4.Frequency of Wrap non-bleeding-related adverse events5.Frequency of rebleeding at femoral groin access sites.

Results: The Wrap was feasible and safe; increased nurse provider satisfaction by allowing visualisation of the groin access sites while minimising the need for hands-on care; and increased parent satisfaction by allowing parents to hold and provide comfort while their child was on bed rest.

Implications for research: The Wrap is a safe alternative to the current practice of swaddling with a bath blanket. Further studies are warranted to assess the Wrap's effectiveness in reducing the incidence of rebleeding events in the post-cardiac catheterisation period and explore clinical use outside of the Cardiac Catheterization Lab.

Keywords: Pediatric; cardiac catheterization; hemostasis; immobilization; re-bleed.