Tunneled Catheter Insertion - Your Only Guide

Tunneled Catheter Insertion - Preparing For The Procedure

You'll get instructions from the staffs at the interventional radiologist's office at least 24 hours prior to the process. Make certain to allow the staff knows if you have any allergies to drugs or to contrast material that might be utilized during this process. Should you be on any blood thinners for example Aspirin, Coumadin, Lovenox, Heparin, or Plavix please let the staff understands. You may have blood drawn for the pre-process testing at either the hospital or even a local practice. If changes in your normal medication schedule are vital staff will inform you. You won't manage to eat or drink after midnight the night prior to the process. Ensure that someone can take you home after.

How Does The Procedure Work?

The tunnel catheter is really a permanent catheter which is set in place when tissue types in reaction to a cuff put beneath the skin. Typically the catheter is inserted into the internal jugular vein in the neck or the subclavian vein just under the clavicle, then tunneled from the puncture site down into the chest wall, appearing from the skin about six inches from where it entered the vein. The point of the catheter lies in the big vein that returns blood to the heart. A tunnel catheter is the very best option when a patient will probably want INTRAVENOUS therapy for more than 3 months so when the line will be utilized many times every day. It's easy and safe to get.

How Will The Procedure Be Performed?

For a tunnel catheter, the doctor will make two incisions generally smaller than one inch long: one over the vein where the catheter is inserted and the other where the catheter emerges from the skin. The catheter is put beneath the epidermis between both incisions. In the end, the radiologist will put two small stitches, one at each end of the tunnel, which stay in place for about one to two months and help to keep the catheter securely in place. A small bandage is put over the websites as well as the catheter is prepared to utilize.

Notes During And After The Procedure

You'll lie on your back during the process. The local anesthetic may burn for a brief period before it takes effect. You might feel some pressure or short distress once the tunnel is made for the catheter and once the needle is put into the vein. You'll need to lay flat and hold your arm still for about 30 to 45 minutes during the catheter placement.
You need to rest at home for the balance of the day and might restart your regular activities the following day, but should avoid lifting heavy items, when discharged. After having a tunnel catheter you need to expect some bruising, swelling, and tenderness in the chest, neck, or shoulder, but these symptoms resolve over about five times. Pain medicine might help in this time. The incisions will cure in seven to 10 days, and the stitches may be removed after that time in accordance with your doctor's directions. For the very first week, it's important to keep the catheter site clean and dry. It's important to closely follow the directions given you about the best way to look after the apparatus as well as the incision. You might be told that it's okay to shower after a week, utilizing a bit of plastic wrap over the catheter insertion site, but not to swim or soak in a bath with all the incision under water. Flushing the catheter at a stated period using a heparin solution can help keep blood clots from forming and obstructing the tunneled catheter. However, directions will change based on the kind of device utilized.
For 24 hours after procedure you shouldn't drive, use machinery, or sign any legal instruments due to sedation or drug you received during the process.