Central Venous Catheters Flashcards
Why would someone need a CVC?
When pts are in need for long-term infusion therapy, or because their condition or disease processes require special types of meds or treatments; commonly inserted peripheral IV therapy may not be practical.
Where does the tip of a central venous catheter lie?
Tip lies in the Cavo-Atrial Junction
What are the four devices that can be used for central venous therapy?
Centrally inserted catheters
Peripherally inserted catheters
Centrally inserted ports
Peripherally inserted devices
What are the major indications for central venous therapy?
Inadequate peripheral access
Complex treatment regimes
Hyperosmolar infusions
Infusion of irritating or vesicant drugs
What are some other indications for central venous therapy? (Besides the major indications)
Rapid absorption and rapid blood and tissue perfusion
Long-term IV therapy
Patient preference
What are some considerations when deciding on insertion of a central venous catheter?
These are mainly related to patient condition, underlying disease processes, and/or anatomical structural deviations or pathologies Other considerations IV drug users Confused Potential need for dialysis (permacath)
What are the usual sites for insertion of a central venous catheter?
Subclavian vein
Internal or external jugulars
What is a less frequently used site for central venous catheter?
Femoral access (This is less common because it’s easier to get an infection. It’s usually reserved for emergency situations, and the goal is to re-site within 48 hours).
What are some peripheral access sites for central venous catheters?
Basilic, cephalic & median cubital
What are some characteristics of centrally inserted catheters?
Flexible, single or multiple lumen catheters
Open or closed ended
Valved or non valved
Short term or long-term
What are two types of short term central venous catheters?
Percutaneous (non-tunneled, non-cuffed)
Midline
What are three types of long-term central venous catheters? (and brand examples)
Tunneled (i.e. Hickman, Broviac, Groshong)
Implanted Vascular Access Device (IVAD)
Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICC) (i.e. Groshong, power PICC, Solo)
What are the numbers of lumens available for central venous catheters?
Single, double, triple, or quadruple
Can incompatible meds be infused simultaneously through separate lumens of the same central venous catheter?
Yes. Incompatible meds can be infused simultaneously via separate lumens. Each lumen must be treated as a separate catheter.
What is the suggested use for the proximal lumen (in a triple lumen CVC)?
Medication administration
What are the suggested uses for the medial lumen (in a triple lumen CVC)?
TPN, medication or fluid administration
What are the suggested uses for the distal lumen (in a triple lumen CVC)?
Blood administration, high volume fluids, medication, CVP monitoring, Blood sampling
What are the characteristics of an open-ended CVC?
Catheter is open at the distal end
Requires clamping before entry into the system
Clamps are usually present
Any type of CVC can be open ended
What are the characteristics of a closed-ended CVC?
Valve is present at tip or hub of catheter
Valve stays closed except when aspirating or infusing
Clamping is not required
What do we use to flush open ended CVCs?
Requires SALINE (some still require low dose heparin)
What kind of CVC’s can be open ended?
Any type of CVC can be open ended
What type of CVCs can be closed-ended?
May be present on tunneled CVC’s, IVAD’s, PICC’s
Is clamping required for a closed ended: distal valve CVC?
Clamping is not required
Is clamping required for an open-ended: proximal valve CVC?
Clamping is not required
What are the advantages of short term catheters?
All types of therapies can be administered
Multiple lumens, larger diameter of lumens
Economical
Preserves peripheral veins
What are the disadvantages of short term catheters?
Highest risk of infection and post insertion complications
Not for home therapy use or long term use
Can be easily dislodged
What is a tunneled long term catheter?
Inserted by percutaneous venipuncture or surgical cutdown
Can be open ended or valved (closed)
A portion is tunneled through the subcutaneous tissue from the exit sited to the insertion site
Has a Dacron cuff positioned in the subcutaneous tissue (2-5cms from exit site) to minimize the risk of infection and to promote securement of the catheter
What are some characteristics of long term catheters?
Generally a tunneled or implanted device/port
Made of soft, medical grade silicone
Dracon cuff near the exit site
Surgically inserted via percutaneous cutdown
Can be single or multilumen
Can last months to years
What are some advantages of tunneled long term catheters?
Designed for long term therapy
All types of therapies can be administered
External segments can be repaired
Can be single or multi lumen
Low infection risk
No dressing required once insertion site healed
What are some disadvantages of tunneled long term catheters?
Surgical procedure to insert and remove (IR or OR)
Can impact body image (external device)
Removed by physician/surgical procedure
What are the parts of a long term catheter: implanted port?
Consists of a portal body, septum, reservoir and catheter
Is a implanted port (long term catheter) open ended or closed ended?
Can be open ended or valved (closed) ended