The Role of Central Venous Catheters in IV therapy
Popularly known as CVC, a central venous catheter is a medical instrument whose tip is inserted in a large vein to provide large scale access for quick diffusion of any medication. These have been an invention much celebrated in the medical world in its efficiency in enabling rapid, reliable intravenous administration of drugs and fluids constantly monitoring the central venous pressure. These have especially come of help in the critical recovery of cancer patients, through blood sampling as well as chemotherapy; irritable drugs and fluids can now be distributed without damaging the walls of the vein. Four CVCs have stood out in their operations as well as versatility – centrally inserted CVCs, peripherally inserted central catheters or PICCs, tunneled CVCs, or Hickman Lines along with implantable ports. Their use naturally depends on the primary purpose and the type of diffusion needed. The preference of the patients also plays an imperative role in deciding which catheter can be used. They contain different quantities of lumen lines, each providing an independent channel of access to the circulation. This simplifies the process of infusing two different fluids in the venous network. The following catheters have found their own specialty and usage cases. Read on:
Centrally inserted CVCs (non-tunneled) Ideal for Short term usage, from a few days to weeks. These are mainly used in emergency and quick recovery situations. They are inserted in femoral or jugular veins and secured with non-absorbable sutures. They come in both, single & multi-lumen structures that may be customized as required by the medical case addressed.
Tunneled CVCs Ideal for Long term use Hickman Lines, as tunneled CVCs are more popularly known, are silicon catheters with large bores. They work wonders for patients requiring multiple infusions of fluids. They also provide efficient access for routine blood sampling. The effective design of the catheter protects the body from the risk of any bacterial contact, thereby protecting the bloodstream.
Peripherally inserted central catheters Ideal for Long Term use, with available physical assistance A fine-bore CVC, PICC is inserted into a peripheral vein and sealed in towards the heart. Many patients prefer PICC because they are more cost-effective than other tunneled CVCs. They are also associated with lower rates of sepsis, vessel perforation. This catheter however needs to be sealed in with sutures, strong tapes. Patients with PICC would also need to deal with the same would require assistance in any adjustment, cleaning of the catheter.
Implantable ports Ideal for Long-term use, for intermittent venous access An implantable port stands out among different CVCs due to the absence of external parts. The catheter’s end is sealed into an injection port that is implanted under the skin of the patient’s chest. A non-coring needle creates seamless access through the skin. Due to non-external parts, an implantable port is more discreet and less intrusive than other CVCs. This also makes maintenance easier. CVCs have revolutionized the treatment of illnesses and ailments through IV therapy. Find the best ones at Smart Medical Buyer.
