Abstract: Care of a peripheral venous catheter. Intravenous catheters: sizes, types, fixation. Peripheral intravenous catheter

Intravenous catheters are special medical instruments, made in the shape of a tube. Their main purpose is to administer various types of medications, as well as rinse blood vessels and various channels, and administer infusions. There are several other names by which these instruments may be known - PVVC or infusion cannulas. If patients require long-term and/or immediate infusion therapy, then the peripheral type of the instrument is usually used - among other advantages, it allows you to transport the patient without fear that the needle will come out of the vessel.

About the tool

Each catheter has the form of a tube and is equipped with a needle. The needle is inserted into the human vein cavity, and the liquid flows through the tube into the human body. To avoid problems with fixation, the catheter is usually secured to the skin either with suture material or with a regular tape. The catheter can usually be inserted into the arms, neck or head. But it is not recommended to use such devices in the leg area, otherwise there will be negative consequences.

Indications

There are several various situations when an intravenous catheter is necessary. Here are the main ones:

emergency conditions in which the fastest possible access to the human bloodstream is required;
the need for transfusion of certain blood components;
providing parenteral nutrition;
overhydration or simply hydration of the body;
the need for rapid and very precise administration of the drug in the required concentration.

Variations

There are several various classifications catheters. The first is based on hardness - there are soft and hard types.

Soft ones are made of polyvinyl chloride or rubber. They are used primarily in surgical or therapeutic purposes when it is necessary to take any actions that will be aimed at improving the patient’s health/condition. To carry out diagnostics, rigid catheters, which are not very suitable for surgical purposes, are often used. In addition, plastic or rubber variations are more durable because metal is rarely used in this area.

Another classification is based on the type of vein into which the catheters are inserted. There are two types:

Arterial. As the name implies, they allow you to solve various medical tasks associated with arteries.
Venous. They allow you to get into the veins and carry out various procedures there.

Catheters can be classified by type of application. There are those that are focused on exclusively short-term use. There are central peripheral ones, which can be installed, for example, in the veins of the arms.

There may also be a catheter with an additional port. These catheters are convenient because additional drug-type solutions can be administered without reintroduction needles, and therefore there will be no need to further damage the tissue. If the catheter is not equipped with an additional port, then the needle must be reinserted each time.

Ports - advantages and disadvantages

Many people believe that models with an additional port are universally optimal, and that there is no point in choosing anything else - but there is a double opinion here. If there are no ports, then the price goes down and the likelihood of contamination becomes much less, so in many situations the simpler option will be much preferable. But when a model with an additional port is really really needed, it is when an IV is placed. For IV drips, a peripheral catheter with a port is almost always placed, since it is easier to repeatedly insert the needle without irritating the patient's skin.

Dimensions

The classification of catheters by size can be a little confusing. The fact is that they are not classified according to typical centimeters or inches, they are measured in special units, geichs. To make it easier to distinguish them, different sizes do different colors. For example, maximum size– 2.0 by 24 mm, this is size 14. The most popular is perhaps size 18, which has dimensions of 1.3 by 45 mm. Size 18 is used very often for a variety of purposes. In addition to 18, a popular size is green, 87, which allows red blood cell transfusion at a rate of about 80 ml per minute.

There are many other sizes that should certainly be selected by the doctor based on the patient's specific problem.

Application

Any trained nurse knows how to use catheters. First, the injection site is treated and a tourniquet is applied there, which helps fill the vein with blood. Next, the peripheral catheter is taken into the hand and inserted into the vessel. Of course, it must be precisely selected depending on the requirements imposed by the patient’s condition, as well as in direct dependence on the presence/absence of a dropper. The correct material is selected, for example, metal or plastic, as well as the size, for example, 18 or 14. If, during insertion, the visualization chamber of the catheter (its special section) fills with blood, then the insertion was successful. Next, fixation is carried out using a bandage or adhesive plaster - but the insertion site into the skin is not sealed, otherwise infectious phlebitis may develop. Finally, the installed intravenous catheters are flushed, which avoids the formation of blood clots in the vessel where they are installed.

Some more details on this topic in the video below:

Water for injection – liquid for diluting drugs

The instrument is a thin hollow tube (cannula) equipped with a trocar (a hard pin with a sharp end) to facilitate insertion into the vessel. After administration, only the cannula is left, through which the drug solution enters the bloodstream, and the trocar is removed.

How long does installation take? The procedure lasts on average about 40 minutes. Anesthesia at the insertion site may be required when inserting a tunneled catheter.

It takes about one hour to rehabilitate the patient after installing the instrument; the sutures are removed after seven days.

A venous catheter is necessary if long-term intravenous administration of drugs is required. It is used for chemotherapy in cancer patients, for hemodialysis in people with renal failure, in case long-term treatment antibiotics.

Classification

Intravenous catheters are classified according to many criteria.

By purpose

There are two types: central venous (CVC) and peripheral venous (PVC).

CVCs are designed for catheterization of large veins, such as the subclavian, internal jugular, and femoral. This instrument is used to administer medications and nutrients, do a blood draw.

PVC is installed in peripheral vessels. As a rule, these are the veins of the extremities.

Comfortable butterfly catheters for peripheral veins are equipped with soft plastic wings with which they are attached to the skin

The “butterfly” is used for short-term infusions (up to 1 hour), since the needle is constantly in the vessel and can damage the vein if held longer. They are usually used in pediatrics and outpatient practice when puncturing small veins.

By size

The size of venous catheters is measured in gaits and is designated by the letter G. The thinner the instrument, the larger the gaits value. Each size has its own color, the same for all manufacturers. The size is selected depending on the application.

By model

There are ported and non-ported catheters. Ported ones differ from non-ported ones in that they are equipped with an additional port for introducing liquid.

By design

Single-channel catheters have a single channel and end in one or more holes. Used for intermittent and continuous administration medicinal solutions. They are also used for emergency care and at long-term therapy.

Multichannel catheters have from 2 to 4 channels. Used for simultaneous infusion of incompatible drugs, blood collection and transfusion, hemodynamic monitoring, and visualization of the structure of blood vessels and the heart. They are often used for chemotherapy and long-term administration of antibacterial drugs.

By material

Slippery surface
Rigidity

Frequent cases of blood clots

High permeability to oxygen and carbon dioxide
High strength
Not wetted by lipids and fats
Quite resistant to chemicals

Stable change in shape at bends

Thromboresistance
Biocompatibility
Flexibility and softness
Slippery surface
Chemical resistance
Non-wettability

Change in shape and possibility of rupture when pressure increases
Difficult to penetrate under the skin
Possibility of entanglement within the vessel

Unpredictable when in contact with liquids (changes in size and hardness)

Biocompatibility
Thromboresistance
Wear resistance
Rigidity
Chemical resistance
Return to previous shape after kinks
Easy injection under the skin
Hard at room temperature, soft at body temperature

Abrasion resistant
Hard at room temperature, soft at body temperature

Frequent thrombosis
The plasticizer may leach into the blood
High absorption of some drugs

Injection technique. Installation of a catheter into a vein. Catheterization rules

Medicines can be administered into the body in various ways, depending on the indications: medicines are administered enterally (orally) in the form of tablets, powders, solutions, mixtures, capsules; rectal (into the rectum) - in the form of suppositories, enemas; parenterally (bypassing the gastrointestinal tract) - in the form of injections or applying drugs to the skin and mucous membranes.

Rules for injections (subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous)

General rules performing injections

Injection is the introduction of a drug by pumping it under pressure into a particular environment or tissue of the body, violating the integrity of the skin. This is one of the most dangerous ways to use medications. As a result of an incorrectly performed injection, nerves, bones, tissues, blood vessels or the body becomes infected with microflora.

Distinguish the following types injections: intradermal, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous, intraarterial, intraarticular, intraosseous, intracardiac, subdural, subarachnoid (spinal injections), intrapleural, intraperitoneal.

To perform injections, sterile instruments are required - a syringe and a needle, as well as alcohol pellets, an injection solution (infusion system). When using each element, it is important to adhere to certain rules.

Syringes. Before starting work, you need to check the integrity of the syringe packaging, then sterilely open it from the piston side, take the syringe by the piston and, without removing it from the packaging, insert it into the needle.

Needles. First of all, check the integrity of the packaging. Then it is opened sterilely from the cannula side, and the needle is carefully removed from the cap.

Infusion systems. The manipulations are performed in the following order.

The package is opened in the direction of the arrow; close the roller clamp; remove the protective cap from the needle for the bottle and insert the needle completely into the bottle with infusion solution. Hang the bottle with the solution and squeeze the needle container so that it is filled to '/2, open the roller clamp and release air from the system.

Connect to a needle or intravenous catheter, open the roller clamp and adjust the flow rate.

Kit medicinal product into a syringe from an ampoule.

First of all, you need to familiarize yourself with the information placed on the ampoule: the name of the drug, its concentration, expiration date. Make sure that the medicinal product is suitable for use: there is no sediment, the color does not differ from the standard one.

Tap the narrow part of the ampoule so that all the medication ends up in the wide part. Before sawing off the neck of the ampoule, you need to treat it with a cotton ball with disinfectant solution.

Cover the ampoule with a napkin to protect yourself from splinters. With a confident movement, break off the neck of the ampoule.

Insert a needle into it and dial required quantity medicinal product. Ampoules with wide openings should not be inverted.

It is necessary to ensure that when taking the drug, the needle is always in the solution: in this case, do not put it into the syringe. air gets in.

Make sure there is no air in the syringe. If there are air bubbles on the walls, you should slightly pull back the syringe plunger, “turn” the syringe several times in a horizontal plane and squeeze out the air.

Medicines can be administered into the body in various ways, depending on the indications: medicines are administered enterally (orally) in the form of tablets, powders, solutions, mixtures, capsules; rectally (into the rectum) - in the form of suppositories, enemas; parenterally (bypassing the gastrointestinal tract) - in the form of injections or applying drugs to the skin and mucous membranes.

In this article we'll talk about the parenteral method of administering drugs under the skin and into the muscle using a syringe, as well as into a vein using an intravenous catheter.

General rules for performing injections

The following types of injections are distinguished: intradermal, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intravenous, intraarterial, intraarticular, intraosseous, intracardiac, subdural, subarachnoid (spinal injections), intrapleural, intraperitoneal.

To perform injections, sterile instruments are required - a syringe and a needle, intravenous catheters various sizes, infusion (drip) systems, as well as alcohol pellets, injection solutions, tourniquets, etc. When using each element, it is important to adhere to certain rules.

Rice. 1. Syringes of various volumes (from 1 to 50 ml) used in veterinary medicine

Syringes. Before starting work, you need to check the integrity of the syringe packaging, then sterilely open it from the piston side, take the syringe by the piston and, without removing it from the packaging, insert it into the needle.

Needles. First of all, check the integrity of the packaging. Then it is opened sterilely from the cannula side, and the needle is carefully removed from the cap.

Infusion systems. Manipulations are performed in the following order:

open the package in the direction of the arrow;
close the roller clamp;
remove the protective cap from the needle for the bottle and insert the needle completely into the bottle with the infusion solution;
hang the bottle with the solution and squeeze the needle container until it is ½ full;
open the roller clamp and release air from the system;
connected to a needle or intravenous catheter;
open the roller clamp and adjust the flow rate.

Set of medicine in a syringe from an ampoule
First of all, you need to familiarize yourself with the information placed on the ampoule: the name of the drug, its concentration, expiration date.
Make sure that the medicinal product is suitable for use: there is no sediment, the color does not differ from the standard one.
Tap the narrow part of the ampoule so that all the medication ends up in the wide part.
Before sawing off the neck of the ampoule, you need to treat it with a cotton ball with a disinfectant solution. Cover the ampoule with a napkin to protect yourself from splinters. With a confident movement, break off the neck of the ampoule.
Insert a needle into it and draw out the required amount of medication. Wide opening ampoules should not be inverted (Fig. 2). It is necessary to ensure that when taking the medicine, the needle is always in the solution: in this case, air will not get into the syringe.
Make sure there is no air in the syringe. If there are air bubbles on the walls, you should slightly pull back the syringe plunger, “turn” the syringe several times in a horizontal plane and squeeze out the air.

Rice. 2. Ampoules with a wide “neck” should not be inverted to avoid leakage of the drug

A set of medicines in a syringe from a bottle closed with an aluminum cap
Just as in the case of an ampoule, first of all you need to read the name of the drug, the concentration, and the expiration date on the bottle; make sure that the color does not differ from the standard one.
Bottles with solutions are checked for integrity of packaging and contamination.
Then, using non-sterile tweezers (scissors, etc.), bend back the part of the bottle cap covering the rubber stopper.
Wipe the rubber stopper with a cotton/gauze ball moistened antiseptic.
Insert the needle at an angle of 90° into the bottle and draw it from the bottle into a syringe. required quantity medicinal product.
Each time the contents are taken from the vial, separate sterile needles and syringes are used.
Opened multi-dose vials are stored in the refrigerator for no more than 6 hours, unless otherwise indicated in the instructions.

Rice. 3. A set of the drug from a bottle with a rubber stopper, rolled up with an aluminum cap

Injection technique

When performing injections, it is very important to follow certain rules.

Subcutaneous injections. In this method, the medicinal substance is injected directly into the subcutaneous tissue, preferably in an area that is well supplied with blood. Subcutaneous injections are less painful than intramuscular injections. The inguinal fold and withers are the most suitable places for subcutaneous injections. Before injection, the skin is folded to determine the thickness subcutaneous tissue. Grabbing the skin with a large and index fingers, an injection is made into the resulting triangle. To correctly administer the medicine, it is necessary to accurately calculate the length of the fold and the thickness of the subcutaneous tissue. The needle is inserted at an angle from 45° to 90° to the skin surface.

Intramuscular injections. In this way those are introduced medicinal substances, which at subcutaneous injection give severe irritation(eg, magnesium sulfate) or are slowly absorbed. The medicine is injected into the posterior femoral muscle group or into the shoulder muscles.

Intravenous injections. They are carried out both with a syringe and a needle, and through the preliminary installation of an intravenous catheter. In veterinary medicine, due to the mobility of patients, it is optimal to use catheters. When choosing a catheterization site, it is necessary to take into account the ease of access to the puncture site and the suitability of the vessel for catheterization. There are practically no complications if the basic rules are followed. The catheter must be provided with impeccable care.

Rules for vein catheterization

Indications for venous catheterization. A peripheral intravenous catheter is an instrument inserted into a peripheral vein to provide access to the bloodstream.

Rice. 4. Intravenous catheters

Indications for use of an intravenous pump:

emergency conditions in which quick access to the bloodstream is necessary (for example, if you need to administer drugs urgently and at high speed);
prescribed parenteral nutrition;
overhydration or hydration of the body;
transfusion of blood products ( whole blood, red blood cell mass);
the need for rapid and accurate administration of the drug in an effective concentration (especially when the drug can change its properties when taken orally).

Well-chosen venous access largely ensures the success of intravenous therapy.

Criteria for choosing a vein and catheter. At intravenous injections the advantage remains with the peripheral veins. The veins should be soft and elastic, without compactions or knots. It is better to inject drugs into large veins, straight section corresponding to the length of the catheter.

When choosing a catheter (Fig. 4), you must focus on the following criteria:

vein diameter (the diameter of the catheter should be less than the diameter of the vein);
required rate of solution injection (than larger size catheter, the higher the rate of solution administration);
potential time the catheter remains in the vein (no more than 5 days).

When catheterizing veins, preference should be given to modern Teflon and polyurethane catheters. Their use significantly reduces the frequency of complications and with high-quality care, their service life is much longer.
The most common reason for failures and complications during peripheral venous catheterization is the lack of practical skills among personnel, violation of the technique for placing a venous catheter and caring for it. This is largely due to the lack of veterinary medicine generally accepted standards for peripheral venous catheterization and catheter care rules.

Standard catheterization kit peripheral vein(Fig. 5) includes a sterile tray, sterile wipes, moistened with a disinfectant solution, adhesive plaster, peripheral intravenous catheters of several sizes, tourniquet, sterile gloves, scissors, gauze or self-fixing elastic bandage.

Rice. 5. Standard set for peripheral vein catheterization

Peripheral catheter placement. They start by ensuring good lighting of the manipulation area. Then hands are thoroughly washed and dried. Collect standard set for vein catheterization, the set should contain several catheters of different diameters.
Apply a tourniquet 10-15 cm above the intended catheterization area. A vein is selected by palpation.
Selecting a catheter optimal size, taking into account the size of the vein, the required rate of administration, the schedule of intravenous therapy.
Put on gloves.
The catheterization site is treated with a skin antiseptic for 30-60 seconds and allowed to dry.
Having fixed the vein (it is pressed with a finger below the intended site of catheter insertion), take a catheter of the selected diameter and remove the protective cover from it. If there is an additional plug on the cover, the cover is not thrown away, but held between the fingers of your free hand.
The catheter is inserted on a needle at an angle of 15° to the skin, observing the indicator chamber. When blood appears in it, reduce the angle of the stiletto needle and insert the needle into the vein a few millimeters (Fig. 6). Having fixed the stiletto needle, slowly move the cannula completely from the needle into the vein (the stiletto needle is not yet completely removed from the catheter). Remove the tourniquet.
Do not insert the needle all the way into the catheter after it has been dislodged from the needle into the vein! This will lead to injury to the walls of the vessel.
The vein is clamped to reduce bleeding, and the needle is finally removed from the catheter.
The needle is disposed of taking into account safety rules.
Remove the plug from the protective cover and close the catheter or connect the infusion system.
The catheter is fixed to the limb with an adhesive tape (Fig. 7).

Rice. 6. Installation of an intravenous catheter in a cat. The assistant clamps the vein above the catheter installation thumb hands. The catheter tube is in the vein, the stylet needle is half withdrawn.

Rice. 7. The installed catheter is fixed on the paw with an adhesive tape.

Catheter care rules
Each catheter connection is a gateway for infection. Repeated touching of the instruments with your hands should be avoided. It is recommended to change sterile plugs more often, never use plugs, inner surface which could have been infected.

Immediately after the administration of antibiotics, concentrated glucose solutions, and blood products, the catheter is washed with a small amount of saline.

To prevent thrombosis and prolong the life of the catheter in the vein, it is recommended to flush the catheter saline solution additionally - during the day, between infusions.

Complications after venous catheterization are divided into mechanical (5-9%), thrombotic (5-26%), and infectious (2-26%).

It is necessary to monitor the condition of the fixing bandage and change it if necessary, as well as regularly inspect the puncture site in order to identify complications as early as possible. When swelling (Fig. 7), redness, local increase in temperature, catheter obstruction, leakage, as well as painful sensations the animal receiving the drug should have the catheter removed and a new one installed.

Rice. 7. Swelling of a limb in an animal due to improper fixation of the catheter (the paw is very tightly tied with a plaster)

When changing an adhesive bandage, do not use scissors, because the catheter can be cut off, causing it to enter the bloodstream. It is recommended to change the catheterization site every 48-72 hours. To remove a venous catheter, you need a tray, a ball moistened with a disinfectant solution, a bandage, and scissors.

Conclusion

Despite the fact that catheterization of peripheral veins is significantly less dangerous procedure than central venous catheterization, if the rules are violated, it can cause a complex of complications, like any procedure that violates the integrity skin. Most complications can be avoided with good manipulation techniques by personnel, strict adherence rules of asepsis and antiseptics and proper care behind the catheter.

Literature

Handbook for nurse treatment room. - St. Petersburg: “Printing house “Beresta”, 2007.
Mitin V.N. First aid small pets. - M.: KolosS, 2005.
Handbook for nurses resuscitation department // Ed. A.Ya. Grinenko. - St. Petersburg: Health Committee of the Leningrad Region, Association of Nurses, 2007.

S. V. Panfilova, veterinary clinic "Biocontrol"
at the Russian Oncological scientific center them. N.N. Blokhina (Moscow)

Placement of a peripheral venous catheter

Indication: catheterization of peripheral veins is performed if the patient has small visible but not palpable veins and their condition is unknown.

Note. When choosing a catheter, consider:

vein diameter
required rate of solution injection
potential duration of operation of the catheter in the vein
properties of the injected solution

It is better to insert Teflon and polyurethane catheters, since their use significantly fewer complications. If you provide them with high-quality care, their service life is much longer than that of polyethylene catheters.
Complications during catheterization of peripheral veins - from violation of the technique of placing a venous catheter and caring for it.

Necessary tools

sterile tray
waste tray
sterile balls and napkins
adhesive bandage or adhesive bandage
antiseptic - 70% alcohol
peripheral intravenous catheters of several sizes
adapter or connecting tube or obturator
sterile gloves
scissors
bandage 7-10 cm wide
hydrogen peroxide solution 3%

Sequence of actions

1. Check the integrity of the catheter packaging and the date of manufacture.
2. Provide good lighting when performing the manipulation.
3. Help the patient lie on his back, take a comfortable position.
4. Calm down and explain the course of the upcoming manipulation.
5. Prepare a container for disposal of sharps.
6. Wash your hands and dry them.
7. Select the site of the proposed vein catheterization: apply a tourniquet 10-15 cm above the proposed catheterization area; ask the patient to work with a brush; select a vein by palpation.
8. Treat the catheterization site with 700 alcohol twice and allow to dry.
9. Take the catheter and remove the protective cover (if there is an additional plug on the cover,
Do not throw away the case, but hold it between the fingers of your free hand).
10. Fix the vein by pressing it with your fingers below the intended catheter insertion site.
11. Insert the catheter needle at an angle of 150 to the skin, observing the appearance of blood in the indicator chamber.
12. Fix the stiletto needle, slowly move the cannula completely from the needle into the vein (the stiletto needle is not completely removed from the catheter yet).
13. Remove the tourniquet. Note. Do not allow the etile needle to be inserted into the catheter after it has been displaced into the vein.
14. Pinch the vein with your finger above the catheter insertion site to reduce bleeding.
15. Finally remove the needle from the catheter; discard the needle.
16. Remove the plug and connect the infusion system.
17. Remove your finger from the vein.
18. Secure the catheter using a fixing bandage (adhesive tape).

Central Line Inserted Central Catheter

Description

The central catheter is a long, thin tube that is inserted into the large vein. The central catheter is used to deliver medications, nutrition, intravenous drugs and chemotherapy.

There are various types central catheters, including:

Peripheral central catheter - the catheter is inserted through a vein in the arm until it reaches a vein close to the heart;
A non-tunneled central venous catheter is inserted into a large vein in the neck or leg; the end of the tube is outside the skin.
A tunneled catheter is a catheter that is secured in place when scar tissue forms. It can be used for several weeks or months. The catheter is inserted into a large vein in the neck, which returns blood to the heart. It is then moved along chest wall and is removed through the skin at a distance of about 12 cm from the injection site into the vein.
Port catheter - a device inserted into a vein in the shoulder or neck. A port (titanium chamber) is placed under the skin and a catheter is inserted into a central vein. To administer medications, the port membrane is pierced with a special needle, and for the next 3-5-7 days, any solutions in any quantities can be injected through this needle.

Reasons for performing the procedure

A central catheter is inserted when the patient needs:

Administer medications or fluids long-term;
During chemotherapy;
For nutrition, if food intake is through digestive system impossible;
Periodic blood sampling;
For intravenous administration medications when the veins in the arm are difficult to access;
For dialysis.

The central catheter is usually inserted interventional radiologist or vascular surgeon. Once inserted, the catheter can be used for several weeks to months.

Possible complications after insertion of a central catheter

Complications are rare, but no procedure is guaranteed to be risk-free. Before installing a central catheter, you need to know about possible complications which may include:

Bloodstream infections, when bacteria enter the bloodstream through or around the central line;
Bleeding;
Lung collapse;
Arrhythmia (unstable heartbeat);
Nerve damage;
An air bubble or part of the catheter may block blood vessels, causing chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness, and rapid heartbeat;
Blood clots in a vein or catheter can block blood flow.

Factors that may increase the risk of complications include:

Smoking;
Difficult access to veins;
Blood clots;
Obesity;
Broken bones;
Infection;
Poor blood circulation;
Bleeding tendencies.

How is a central catheter inserted?

Preparation for the procedure

A blood test may be done to check blood clotting;
The doctor may ask about allergies;
You need to arrange a trip home after the procedure;
The patient may be asked to stop taking certain medications a week before the procedure:

Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs;
blood thinners such as clopidogrel or warfarin;

If you suspect you are pregnant, you should inform your doctor before the procedure.

Anesthesia

The area where the catheter is inserted is numbed with local anesthesia. Depending on where the central catheter will be inserted, a sedative may be given intravenously.

Description of the procedure for inserting a central catheter

This procedure can be done either in a hospital as part of treatment or on an outpatient basis.

Having a catheter increases the risk of bloodstream infection. Hospital staff must carry out the procedure while taking next steps to reduce this risk:

Care must be taken to select a safe place to insert the catheter;
Wash your hands thoroughly or use disinfectant for hands;
You must wear surgical gowns, masks, gloves, and cover your hair;
Cleanse the skin with an antiseptic;
Use a sterile drape.

The next steps may vary depending on the type of catheter and where it is inserted. In general, staff will do the following:

Anesthesia is administered;
A small incision is made;
X-rays or ultrasound are used to guide the catheter into the vein;
Before installing the catheter, you need to cut it to the desired length. The catheter is flushed with saline (salt water);
The catheter is guided using a catheter guide. The conductor is then removed;
The catheter is secured to the skin (usually with adhesive tape). A cap is placed on the end of the catheter;
A bandage is applied to the catheter insertion site. The date of insertion is marked on or near the bandage.

If a port catheter is inserted, a small cavity is made under the skin to accommodate it. The incision will be closed, usually with absorbable suture.

Immediately after the procedure

The insertion site will be checked for bleeding, fluid leakage, and swelling.

How long will it take to insert a central catheter?

30-45 minutes.

Will it hurt?

During the procedure, the patient will not feel pain due to anesthesia. May be slight discomfort at the installation site after the procedure.

Average hospital stay after central catheter insertion

This procedure is usually done in a hospital because it is necessary for treatment. The length of stay will depend on the reason for the central catheter insertion. If outpatient treatment is performed through a central catheter, the patient may be sent home on the day of the procedure.

Caring for the patient after the central catheter insertion procedure

Hospital care

After the procedure, the staff can provide next help to help with recovery:

An x-ray is taken to ensure that the catheter is in the correct position;
The catheter insertion site is periodically checked for bleeding;
Medicines, fluids, or nutritional solution are given through the catheter;
The port catheter is flushed to prevent blood clots;
Measures are being taken to reduce the risk of infection:

Wash your hands and gloves thoroughly before touching the catheter or changing the dressing;
An antiseptic is used to clean the exposed parts of the catheter;
Precautions are taken when handling medications, fluids, or foods that will be administered through the catheter;
The patient is monitored for signs of infection, which include fever, chills, and problems at the insertion site (eg, redness, swelling, drainage);
Visitors should not be in the hospital room when the dressing is changed;
The catheter remains at the insertion site as long as necessary.

There are also steps you can take to reduce your risk of infection:

Employees should be asked to take all precautions to prevent infection;
Personnel should immediately alert the physician if there is redness or pain at the catheter insertion site;
You must wash your hands before entering the room. Visitors should not be allowed to touch the catheter.

Home care

Upon returning home you need to do next steps to ensure normal recovery:

The insertion site should be kept clean, dry and bandaged. When changing the dressing, follow the doctor's instructions;
You should wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before touching the catheter;
You should ask your doctor about when it is safe to shower, swim, or expose the surgical site to water;
Do not swim or bathe with a central catheter inserted;
Any activity that could weaken the central catheter should be avoided;
No one should touch the catheter;
The injection site should be checked every day for signs of infection (eg, redness, pain);
The catheter should be flushed with saline or heparin as directed by your doctor.

Contacting your doctor after the central catheter insertion procedure

Upon returning home, you should consult a doctor if the following symptoms appear:

Signs of infection, fever and chills, redness or swelling at the insertion site;
Pain at the installation site;
Drainage or leakage from the catheter;
Problems with flushing or introducing fluid into the catheter;
The catheter becomes loose or falls out.