Peripheral intravenous catheter – PMC

Description peripheral intravenous catheter

Peripheral intravenous catheter (PMC) It is a long thin tube, which is inserted through a vein in the arm. The catheter is advanced through the vein hands, until it reaches large vein near the heart.

Reasons for the installation of peripheral intravenous catheter

PVC can be used, if necessary:

• Long-term administration of drugs, which can not be taken orally (through the mouth);
• The introduction of liquid, to avoid dehydration;
• The introduction of chemotherapy drugs;
• The introduction of liquid for feeding;
• Intravenous drug, If an arm vein is difficult to find or use.

Once installed PVC can be used for many weeks and months.

Possible complications of peripheral intravenous catheter

Complications are rare, but no procedure does not guarantee the absence of risk. Before, how to install a catheter, you need to know about possible complications, which may include:

• Bloodstream infections – there, when bacteria enter the bloodstream through or around the catheter;
• Bleeding;
• Cardiac arrhythmia (abnormal heartbeat) – may, if the catheter is inserted too close to the heart;
• Nerve damage (tingling or pain in the arm, where the catheter)
• Blood clots;
• Air or catheter embolus (air bubble or part of catheter blocking a blood vessel).

Factors, that may increase the risk of complications:

• Smoking;
• It's hard to find a vein in the arm (in connection with obesity or poor circulation);
• Blood clots;
• Broken arm;
• Active infection;
• Removed lymph nodes hands.

How is the installation of a peripheral intravenous catheter?

Preparation for the procedure

• It can be assigned to a blood test, to check its clotting;
• The doctor may check for the presence of allergy;
• It is necessary to arrange a ride home after the procedure;
• The patient may be asked to stop taking certain medicines a week before the procedure,:
  • Aspirin or other anti-inflammatory drugs;
  • Blood-thinning drugs, such as clopidogrel or warfarin;

Anesthesia

Area introduction of peripheral intravenous catheter anesthetized using local anesthesia.

Description of the procedure the introduction of peripheral intravenous catheter

The procedure can be performed in a hospital, as part of treatment, and on an outpatient basis.

The presence of the catheter increases the risk of bloodstream infection. The hospital staff should carry out the procedure, Taking the following steps, to reduce this risk:

• Carefully choose a safe place, to insert a catheter;
• Thoroughly wash their hands or use hand sanitizer;
• It is necessary to wear surgical gowns, masks, gloves and cover your hair;
• Clean the skin with an antiseptic;
• Use a sterile sheet.

Further installation of peripheral intravenous catheter consists of the following steps:

• Held administering anesthetic;
• Hand drawn towards;
• The distance from the injection site to place a catheter in the body closure;
• The catheter is cut to the desired length and is washed with saline (salt water);
• On hand applied a tourniquet to slow the blood flow;
• In the vein held a small incision;
• The catheter is inserted into a vein. For exact positioning of the catheter may be used ultrasounds;
• The catheter was fixed to the skin with adhesive. At the end of the catheter is placed cap;
• In place of the catheter bandage (bandage). At or near the bandage is applied to the date of installation of peripheral intravenous catheter.

Immediately after treatment

Position will be checked for bleeding, leakage of fluid and swelling.

How long will the introduction of peripheral intravenous catheter?

From 30 minutes to one hour.

Will it hurt?

During the catheter the patient will not feel pain, because the anesthesia used. Maybe a little discomfort at the site of the installation following the procedure.

Care of the patient after the installation of peripheral intravenous catheter

Care in a hospital

After the procedure, the staff can provide assistance, to help rebuild:

• Running X-ray, To make sure, that the catheter is in the correct position;
• Place the insertion of the catheter periodically checked for bleeding;
• Medicines, fluid or nutrient solution is introduced through the catheter;
• Port catheter is washed to help prevent blood clots;
• Measures are being taken, to reduce the risk of infection:
  • It should be carefully Wash hands and gloves, before touching the catheter or changing the bandage;
  • Use an antiseptic to clean the exposed parts of the catheter;
  • Take precautions when handling medicine, fluids or nutrition, which will be introduced through the catheter;
  • For patients showed, to identify the signs of infection, which include fever, chills, and problems on site (eg, redness, edema, allocation of extraneous fluid);
  • When the bandage is changed, Visitors do not need to be in hospital ward;
  • The catheter remains in the injection site as much, as necessary.

Measures, to be taken, to reduce the risk of infection:

• It is necessary to ask the staff to take every precaution, to prevent infection;
• Staff should immediately tell your doctor, if catheter site redness and pain is felt;
• Before entering the chamber need to wash their hands. You can not let visitors touch the catheter.

Home Care after installation of peripheral intravenous catheter

Upon returning home, you need to perform the following actions, to ensure the normal recovery:

• You want to maintain a place clean, dry and turned. When changing bandages you need to follow the instructions of your doctor;
• Before touching the catheter, You need to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer;
• We need to ask your doctor about, when it is safe to shower, bathe, or to expose the surgical site to water;
• You cannot swim or bathe with an inserted intravenous catheter;
• You want to avoid lifting heavy weights and other activities, that could weaken the catheter;
• No one should touch the catheter;
• Every day you need to check the place for signs of infection (eg, redness, pain);
• You need to rinse the catheter saline or heparin, as indicated by a physician.
• Take prescribed medications.

Communication with a physician after installation of peripheral intravenous catheter

Upon returning home, you need to see a doctor, If the following symptoms:

• Signs of infection, fever and chills, redness or swelling at the site of installation;
• Pain at the site of installation;
• Or leakage of drainage catheter;
• Problems with flushing or the introduction of a fluid into catheter;
• Catheter weakens or falls.
• Increasing the girth of the hands (hand become thicker).