Ipsilateral Peripheral Intravenous Access Procedures (The iPIVAP Study)

This prospective single arm study will be conducted within DUH Department of Radiology CT Imaging. The study team will enroll 50 patients with a history of axillary SLNP presenting for routine radiographic scan to undergo ipsilateral IV insertion. Patients will complete baseline bilateral arm volumetric measurements and self-reported symptom assessments. Patients will be followed every 3 months for 1-year duration for development of lymphedema. Patient acceptance or reluctance to ipsilateral IV access will be categorized at time of screening. Staff uptake on practice change will be assessed through medical record documentation for number, location, and factors affecting IV attempts and their perceptions of practice change and acceptance at the end of one year.

All participants will complete baseline measures: bilateral volumetric measurements and self-reported symptoms. Per DUH policy, participants will undergo SOC contralateral arm intravenous access attempt. After one failed attempt, ipsilateral intravenous access instead of pedal or neck access will be offered per research protocol. Nursing documentation will reflect the failed venipuncture and categorize a reason for the failed attempt. At the discretion of the treating radiologist, a participant who has a history of multiple failed IV placement attempts in the contralateral arm may proceed to IV placement in the ipsilateral arm on the first attempt.

Patients with successful ipsilateral intravenous access will be provided a patient education sheet describing signs and symptoms that should be reported to the study team. All participants will be contacted by the study team at twelve week intervals for 12 months after their radiology encounter for completion of symptom assessments. If a subject reports new signs or symptoms of lymphedema during follow-up, a clinic appointment for volumetric measurements and thorough evaluation will occur within 2 weeks; findings will be discussed with their physician. Participants will undergo bilateral volumetric measurements, symptom assessments, and perceptions of the ipsilateral IV access protocol at the end of one year.

Inclusion criteria

• History of bilateral or unilateral axillary SLNP (sentinel biopsy, lymphadenectomy or dissection) and a previous or current failed contralateral IV attempt or at the discretion of the treating radiologist, a participant who has a history of multiple failed IV placement attempts in the contralateral arm may proceed to IV placement in the ipsilateral arm on the first attempt
• Scheduled to undergo routine imaging scan with contrast
• 18 years of age and older
• Read, reviewed and signed study-specific consent

Exclusion criteria

• Active swelling, rash, or injury in bilateral upper extremities
• Subjects with diabetes, sickle cell disease, and/or peripheral vascular insufficiency as vascular inflammatory processes pose a lymphedema risk