Electromuscular Stimulation Therapy as a Prophylactic Method to Reduce Thromboses Related to PICC Catheters

Introduction: The placement of a peripheral inserted central catheter (PICC) is a common practice in the hospital setting. However, despite all the advances reported, venous devices are not free of complications and catheter-related thrombosis (CRT), being one of the most prevalent. Electro muscular stimulation therapy can be a measure for the prevention of CRT. Objective: To know the efficacy of electro muscular stimulation therapy in patients hospitalized in critical care units to prevent venous thrombosis related to PICC catheters. Methodology: A multicenter Randomized Clinical Trial (RCT) will be carried out at the Dr. Josep Trueta University Hospital in Girona, Hospital del Mar in Barcelona, Althaia Foundation in Manresa. With a total of 68 patients with PICC catheters in critical care units, they will be randomly assigned to the intervention group (n=34) to whom, in addition to the usual protocolized care related to the vascular catheter, will be applied e Eco-EMS protocol, or the control group (n=34) to which only the usual protocolized care related to the vascular catheter was applied. Intervention: It will consist of the application of electrostimulation therapy five days a week, two daily sessions of 20 minutes in the intervention group. Both groups underwent five ultrasound examinations after the placement of the PICC to determine the appearance of CRT. Expected results: It is expected to observe that the application of the Eco-EMS protocol reduces thrombosis in the patients of the intervention group, compared to those of the control group.

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Key information

Conditions

Thrombosis; Catheter, Infusion Catheter (Vascular) Cardiovascular Diseases Embolism and Thrombosis Thrombosis Vascular Diseases

Age range

18 year–80 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

Hospital Dr. Josep Trueta de Girona

Girona, Espanya, 17007, Spain

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Patients admitted to the critical unit with a PICC whose insertion is done by the EIAV of the same hospital.
Patients between 18 and 80 years of age.
Treatments related to the device protocolized by the same hospital as the EIAV implanter.

Exclusion criteria

Patients who do not sign informed consent.
Patients with pacemakers and/or implantable automatic defibrillators.
Patients with epilepsy.
Removal of the device within the first 15 days after insertion.
Hospital discharge, transfer to another hospital or death lethalis during the duration of the study.
Displacement of the tip of the catheter outside the lower ⅓ of the superior vein cava during the study period.
Presence of lesions in the place where the electrodes must be placed to perform the electrostimulation therapy.
Non-compliance with catheter monitoring: Of the five ultrasound controls protocolized in the study, 80% were not complied with.

Treatment and study plan

Protocol ECOEMS

Device

Use electo estimulation therapy. The 4-channel stimulator will be used. The 6 electrodes will be located on the biceps, triceps and deltoids. Two daily sessions will be distributed, five days a week, lasting 20 minutes, the vascular program designed by the electro stimulation team itself will be applied.

Primary outcomes

To know the effectiveness of electromuscular stimulation therapy in patients hospitalized in critical care units to prevent venous thrombosis related to PICC catheters.

Time frame: 15 days

Ultrasound will be used to measure whether or not there is the appearance of thrombosis related to the PICC catheter.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Girona Dr. Josep Trueta

Other

Collaborators

Althaia Xarxa Assistencial Universitària de Manresa
Institut Hospital del Mar d'Investigacions Mèdiques (IMIM)

Registry information

Official study title

Electromuscular Stimulation Therapy as a Prophylactic Method to Reduce Thromboses Related to PICC Catheters in Patients Hospitalized in Critical Care Units. Randomized Clinical Trial.

Acronym: ECOEMS

Important dates

Study start: 2023
Primary completion: 2023
Study completion: 2026
First posted: Nov 18, 2023
Registry last updated: Jun 10, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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