Central venous catheter: procedures, safety, etc. • hello healthy

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Definition

What is CVC?

A tube is used to deliver fluids or medicine without the need for repeated injections. These are placed in blood vessels near your heart and some of these tubes are located outside your body.

When do I need a CVC procedure?

This tube is usually recommended if you need regular medication such as antibiotics, chemotherapy, or blood transfusions for several weeks or months. This tube is a tunnel to reduce the risk of infection.

Precautions & warnings

What should I know before doing the CVC procedure?

This tube may not be suitable if you have blood clotting problems. Tell your doctor or nurse if you are taking blood thinners such as aspirin, warfarin, or heparin.

What are the alternatives to CVC?

What can be used if you don't want to or can't use a tube is a port implant, which is a small, fine plastic tube that is inserted into a vein in your chest or arm and has a hole just under your skin.

The type or alternative options available to you will depend on your medical needs. Ask your doctor for advice.

Process

What should I do before doing this procedure?

A specialist doctor or nurse will install the tube for you. You may already be hospitalized for this procedure. If not, hospital staff will let you know where and when to come for the procedure.

You can help yourself by preparing questions about the risks, benefits, and alternative procedures. This will help you to get enough information so that you can give your doctor permission to perform the procedure, which is usually done by signing a consent form.

How to process this procedure?

This procedure usually takes an hour.

A small incision is made in the skin just below the collarbone and the end of the tube is inserted into the large vein. Ultrasound can be used to help show the tubes in your veins. This tube then passes through a tunnel in your skin to reach the exit, where a portion of the tube exits your body.

Stitches or clips are used to hold the tube in place until the skin heals. The small nub in the tube just under your skin also helps to keep it in position. The incision under your collarbone is closed with stitches.

You usually need a chest x-ray to make sure the tube is in the correct position.

What should I do after this procedure is finished?

After local anesthesia, it may take several hours before you can feel it again. Be careful not to bump or squeeze the hose as this can slide it out of position and / or damage the outlet. If you can't pull the tube, call the hospital to check its position.

If you do not stay in the hospital for further treatment, you will usually be allowed to go home when you feel ready. Before returning home, your nurse will give you advice on how to care for your tube, about keeping it clean, and how to shower. You will usually be given a schedule for a follow-up check-up.

You will usually need to return to the hospital regularly for treatment. During this visit, your doctor or nurse will carefully examine your tube. Your nurse will usually provide you with a contact number in case you need advice between visits.

Retracting the CVC

The stitches under the collarbone are removed after 7-10 days. The stitches in the outlet are removed after your skin has completely healed, usually about 3 weeks. You no longer need the bandage, but you must keep the upper part of the channel that lies outside of the body and secure it with a cover to prevent it from moving from accidental snagging or pulling.

Complications

What complications can occur?

As with every procedure, there are risks associated with not fitting the tube. This does not include the risk of something specific and varies from person to person. Ask your surgeon to explain how the risk is to you.

Complications are when problems occur during or after the procedure. Most people don't experience complications. Possible complications if you have a CVC tube in your body are:

• infection - can occur inside the catheter, at the outlet, or in the heart valve (endocarditis). Antibiotics can help fight the infection but sometimes the tube needs to be removed
• blockage - a blood clot can form at the end of the tube that goes into a vein, or the position of the tube can change and cause a blockage. If this happens, the line may need to be disconnected
• there is air in the hose - you should always close the hose when not in use.
• line failure - any damage to a hose, or a change in position could cause a hose to fail. If this happens, the hose needs to be replaced as soon as possible.

Hello Health Group does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.