How to Care for Central Venous Catheters

In treating certain special patients, central venous catheters are sometimes required for therapy, making them widely used in the medical industry. To prevent infections, meticulous care is essential during their use. So, how should central venous catheters be cared for?

1. Post-Insertion Checks and Proper Fixation

After inserting a central venous catheter, a routine chest X-ray should be performed to confirm the catheter is correctly positioned before use. Additionally, ensure the catheter is securely fixed, with intact skin sutures. If sutures loosen or fixation is compromised, alternative fixation methods should be used to effectively prevent catheter dislodgement.

2. Covering the Puncture Site, Timely Replacement, and Monitoring

When using a central venous catheter, the puncture site should be covered with sterile transparent dressing, which must be replaced at appropriate intervals. Immediate replacement is necessary if the dressing becomes loose, wet, or shows signs of bleeding or leakage. If the catheter shows signs of aging, cracking, or protrusion, it should be removed promptly, as these issues may cause fluid leakage from damaged areas. Before flushing the catheter, blood should be aspirated to check for blood clots, ensuring no clotted blood is flushed into the patient’s body.

In summary, central venous catheters require diligent care in the aspects mentioned above during daily use. Before using a professional central venous catheter, relevant personnel should assess the catheter, such as by aspirating blood to confirm its position and patency. If abnormalities are detected, the cause should be identified and addressed promptly.