Vascular Access Patient Education
Vascular Access Patient Resources provides general information for anyone looking to learn more about vascular access procedures, the different types of vascular access devices, how to prepare for a procedure, risks associated with procedures, and how to care for your vascular access device. We have recently added helpful resources for patients, and will continue to update this Vascular Access Patient Resources page, so be sure to bookmark this page.
Vascular Access Patients
Click each button below to learn about these vascular access topics
Vascular Access Patient Education
FAQs about Vascular Access Procedures,
Device Types, and Care & Maintenance
Vascular Access Patient Education | Procedures
What is a Vascular Access Procedure?
A vascular access procedure is the insertion or placement of a vascular access device (i.e., a sterile tube commonly referred to as a catheter) into a blood vessel allowing for access to the cardiovascular system via the vein. Vascular access procedures range from a basic peripheral IV to a small-bore or large-bore central line via the Jugular or Femoral vein. The procedure can be performed by nurses or doctors, depending on the type of access needed. Because it is an invasive procedure, placement of a vascular access device requires a physician’s order and patient consent before being performed. Vascular Wellness places all vascular access devices at the patient’s bedside, so there is no need for transportation to an Operating Room, Interventional Radiology department, or another facility for the procedure.
Why would I need a Vascular Access Procedure?
Vascular access is typically proscribed for patients who need medication or fluids to be delivered intravenously. Patients who require ongoing intravenous therapy such as antibiotics and other medications or fluids, long-term nutritional support, hemodialysis, chemotherapy, or repeated blood draws can benefit from a vascular access procedure. Your physician will prescribe a certain type of vascular access device based on a number of factors, including underlying ailment or disease, medical history, planned procedures in the future, the length of time you need access for treatment, and if you will return home with a vascular access device in place for continued, long-term treatment.
Vascular Access Patient Education | Devices
What are the Different Types of Vascular Access Devices?
The type of vascular access device you receive will depend on your unique situation, and your doctor will take into account the therapy required, the length of a time your device needs to stay in place, and your medical history. Vascular access devices include standard lines such as Peripheral IVs and Midlines, as well as a number of central lines. Central lines (also known as Central Venous Catheters or CVCs) include PICCs (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters); Axillaries; Small-Bore and Large-Bore Central Lines such as Internal Jugulars, Femorals, and Mid-Thigh Femorals; Tunneled Lines, and Implanted Ports. Central lines end in either the Superior Vena Cava (SVC) or the Inferior Vena Cava (IVC) to provide optimal positioning for the needed IV therapy.
What is each Vascular Access Device and How is it Used?
Peripheral IV
Peripheral Intravenous Lines (PIVs) are very small, short, and flexible catheters that are typically placed in the arm, although other areas could be used depending on medical condition. PIVs are the most commonly used vascular access device, and are generally used for short-term administration or infusion of fluids or certain antibiotics that are appropriate for smaller veins.
Midline
Midlines are flexible catheters (longer than a PIV but shorter than a PICC) that are inserted into the vein in the upper arm, and the tip ends before the armpit. Midlines are used to administer medications that are non-irritating to the vein, and provide greater flexibility than a PIV. They can be used for either short or longer intervals on patients with difficult vein access, and can reduce the number of patient sticks as a substitute for multiple PIVs that do not last the course of treatment.
CENTRAL LINE VASCULAR ACCESS DEVICES
Central Lines, or Central Venous Catheters (CVCs)
Central Line catheters are bigger and longer than a PIV or Midline, and are placed in a deeper vein – typically in the arm, neck, chest, thigh, or groin. The catheter ends right at your heart and is used to deliver medication, fluids or blood. They are useful if frequent blood draws are needed because it reduces the number of needle sticks, and are also used in emergent cases or for long-term treatments. There are several types of Central lines:
PICC
PICC (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter) Lines are flexible catheters that are inserted into the vein in the upper arm, end near the heart, and are considered long term devices. A PICC line is used to administer medicine for an extended interval such as long-term antibiotics, TPN administration, chemotherapy, or for treatments that are irritating and may cause damage to the veins of the hands and forearm when using a shorter catheter. PICCs can also be used for shorter intervals for patients with difficult vein access (DIVA condition). PICCs should not be placed in Mastectomy patients with lymph nodes removed, patients with arm injuries or infections, or those with vascular disease.
Internal Jugular
Internal Jugular Lines are catheters that are inserted into the jugular vein in your neck and end at the heart. These catheters can be small-bore or large-bore, depending on what your doctor determines is needed. Examples of large-bore Internal Jugular central lines are Vascaths, which can be used for temporary dialysis, or a quad-lumen catheter that can accommodate simultaneous multiple drug administration and the measurement of central venous pressure.
Femoral and Mid-Thigh Femoral
Femoral and Mid-Thigh Femoral Lines can be placed in the groin (not illustrated) or mid-thigh (illustrated) area, depending on the medical need and other factors. Vascular Wellness prefers placing vascular access devices in the mid-thigh versus in the groin because avoiding the Inguinal areas greatly helps mitigate the risk of infection. It also provides greater comfort for the patient. Some examples of use cases for mid-thigh femoral vascular access devices include patients who have upper extremity trauma, newly placed cardiac pacers, limited range of motion or other conditions.
Tunneled Central Line and Permcath
Tunneled Central Lines are tunneled CVCs that can be small-bore or large-bore, and they are placed in the upper chest area. They are used to provide long-term access for medications, nutrition, chemotherapy, and blood sampling. Tunneled Catheters can be utilized for a longer period of time compared to non-tunneled catheters due to a tissue ingrowth cuff that anchors the catheter and helps prevent bacteria from invading the bloodstream from the insertion site.
Permcaths are large-bore tunneled central lines that are also placed in the upper chest area. Permcaths are used for hemodialysis for patients with renal (kidney) failure.
Axillary
Axillary Lines are small-bore flexible catheters that are placed in the upper chest area and are used if a PICC placement is unsuccessful or contraindicated. Examples of use cases include poor vasculature for access in the upper arm, quadriplegia, or severe upper extremity contracture or injury. Axillary vascular access devices are less common than other central lines.
Arterial
Arterial Lines are placed in the radial artery below the thumb on the underside of your wrist. Arterial vascular access devices are used to monitor blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygenation, and obtain frequent blood samples for critically ill patients. Benefits include real-time information, allowing for prompt and accurate titration of lifesaving medications.
Vascular Access Patient Education | Preparation
How do I Prepare for my Vascular Access Procedure?
Preparation is fairly straightforward. With Vascular Wellness, a vascular access clinician will arrive at your bedside to review the doctor’s order and your medical history to confirm the vascular access device, and then explain the procedure and what to expect. The clinician will answer any questions you or your family have regarding the procedure, and then obtain your written consent for medical treatment. A majority of the procedures will be completed in less than 30 minutes, but time frame often depends on your vasculature, with some procedures taking slightly longer.
How is the Vascular Access procedure Performed?
After confirming the doctor’s orders and obtaining your written consent, the vascular access clinician will begin the procedure right there at your bedside. They will utilize ultrasound guidance to identify the best insertion site, clean your skin with an antiseptic, create a sterile barrier for the insertion, give a generous amount of numbing medicine for your comfort, and then access your vein with the needle. You will likely not feel any discomfort, and after access to the vein is obtained, a guidewire and introducer will be utilized to place your catheter. The line will be flushed, cleaned, and dressed, and the location confirmed via ECG tip confirmation or X-ray. The most common response we hear from patients upon completion of the procedure is “That was a piece of cake, I didn’t even realize you were done!”
Vascular Access Patient Education | Risks
What Risks are Associated with Vascular Access Procedures?
Infection – This is mitigated by maintaining sterility during the procedure and following best practices for care and maintenance of the device while it is being used.
Bleeding – This is mitigated through expert usage of an ultrasound for accurate vein and needle tip visualization, enabling us to successfully achieve vascular access on the first attempt. This ensures only one hole is created in the vein, and that it is used for the vascular access device.
Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) – This is mitigated through expert usage of an ultrasound to help ensure that the catheter to vein ratio allows for optimal blood flow around the catheter.
Vascular Access Patient Education | Device Care
How do I Care for my Vascular Access Device?
It is extremely important to keep your vascular access device clean and working while it is in place. You must be sure to wash your hands properly with soap before touching your device or dressing (bandage) in any way.
While in the hospital, your nurse should be giving you a Chlorhexidine Gluconate (CHG) bath daily. This is a cleaning product that kills germs, and daily baths with CHG are very important and reduce the spread of infections in hospitals. Your skin may temporarily feel a little dry or itchy after the bath, and you can ask for lotion if that occurs. It is also very helpful to have some at home if you are being discharged with your vascular access device in place. Dressing changes are as directed, which are typically once per week; however, if your dressing becomes wet, dislodged, or soiled, please notify your nurse, provider, or home health agency. The catheter will be removed when it is no longer needed or indicated for use, if complications occur, or if it becomes infected.
Important Guidelines and Helpful Tips for Vascular Access Device Care
Use the links below to learn more about the importance of proper Hand Hygiene:
- Hand Hygiene – It is extremely important to maintain good hygiene at home and wash your hands frequently with soap, especially before touching your dressing or vascular access device.
- Keep Site Dry – Do not get your vascular access device or the dressing wet, and do not submerge in bathtubs, swimming pools, or hot tubs. Cover your dressing securely before showering. If you are in a hospital, you can ask your nurse for a PICC line shower covering. Use a handheld shower head, if possible, to direct the water spray.
- Keep Dressing Secure – If the dressing starts to peel or becomes wet, ask your nurse for a dressing change if still in the hospital, or call your provider or home health agency for instructions if you have returned home.
- Scrub the Hub – Prior to accessing your vascular access device, remember to scrub the hub (endcap) for at least 15 seconds with an alcohol swab.
- Do Not Wrap – Never wrap your PICC, Midline or PIV with an ACE™ bandage or Coban™ self-adherent wrap.
- Clamps – If your vascular access device has clamps, keep them clamped when not in use.
- No Heavy Lifting – Do not lift anything greater than 10 pounds with the affected arm, and avoid repetitive movements to prevent accidental dislodgement.
- No Crutches – Do not use crutches if you have a PICC or Midline in your arm.
- No Sharp Objects – Do not use sharp objects such as scissors or knives near your dressing or vascular access device.
- Pets – Be careful around pets in order to prevent accidental dislodgment or potential infection.
- Fever – Call your provider if you have a fever over 101 degrees.
- Pain or Redness – Call your provider if you have any redness, pain, drainage, or swelling on or around the insertion site, or in the affected arm, chest, neck or leg.
- Work Accommodations – Consult your physician regarding work accommodations.
Below are some products that patients have found helpful to have on hand when they return home:
- Glad® Press’n Seal or Saran™ wrap is helpful for showers. Be sure to tape the ends to ensure a proper seal.
- Non-sterile gloves.
- Anti-bacterial hand soap and hand sanitizer.
- Prepackaged alcohol swabs or wipes. CHG wipes are extremely helpful and available at Amazon® and other suppliers.
- Timer (i.e., watch or small kitchen timer). If a home health nurse teaches a family member or caregiver how to change your dressing, this can help ensure that the proper amount of time is spent scrubbing the site and the hub.
- Tubular dressing such as a Stockinette or oversized new tube sock with the toe cut out to prevent accidental dislodgement.
- Amazon® and other suppliers sell PICC sleeves and shower protectors that are very effective and affordable.
- Handheld shower nozzle.
You can download these Guidelines and Tips in PDF format by clicking the button below.
Puede descargar estas pautas y consejos en formato PDF haciendo clic en el botón a continuación.
We’d love to hear from you!
Please take a moment to review our company.
Looking for Vascular Access Experts?
We offer timely, innovative, and advanced vascular access services at the bedside, with full administrative support, from skilled employees who care.
Want more than just a PICC Service or PICC Team?
Email us below or call 877-284-4435.
We are Vascular Access Specialists and here to help and answer your questions.
Let us be part of your trusted Healthcare Team.
Vascular Wellness provides comprehensive, quality, timely, and innovative vascular access services, including standard and advanced line placement, pediatrics, program management, education, training, and infection control and prevention to all healthcare settings such as Tertiary Hospitals, Community Hospitals, Long-Term Acute Care Hospitals, Hospital at Home Programs, Skilled Nursing Facilities, Surgical and Outpatient Centers, Hospice, and At-Home care. We support a 98+% Success Rate with 0% Insertion-Related Infection Rate across all lines, with an average response time of 3 hours. We help our clients improve patient outcomes, enable faster therapy, reduce costs, infections, and readmissions, decrease hospital length of stay, and reduce transportation expenses.
OFFICE ADDRESS
Corporate Headquarters & Mailing Address
Vascular Wellness
151 Quarrystone Circle
Suite 112
Cary, NC 27519
919-226-3694
CLINICAL HOURS FOR DISPATCH
Service Hours extend 2+ hours after Dispatch
Monday-Friday: 8am - 6pm
Saturday-Sunday: 8am - 3pm
Holidays: 8am - 1pm
Follow Us
