Here is a picture of a Standard IV line on Brett:
Following are the major types of vascular access catheters:
• A peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) is a long catheter that extends from an arm vein into the largest vein (superior vena cava) near the heart and typically provides central IV access for several weeks, but may remain in place for several months. These catheters are called “midline catheters” when they are placed in a way that the tip of the catheter remains in a relatively large vein, but doesn’t extend into the largest central vein. They may have one or two lumens and some may be able to be used for CT contrast injections (manufactured for forceful contrast injections). This type of catheter must be protected from getting pulled or getting wet.
Flush: daily
Length you can keep it: 6-8 weeks
Cannot get wet
The main benefit to a PICC line is that it can be placed under sedation and does not always involve surgery. Additionally, it can be removed at any time WITHOUT surgery.
Brett has had 2 PICC lines
Here is a photo of one of Brett's PICC lines. Obviously it's covered, but you can kind of get the idea.
Here is a photo of one of Brett's PICC lines. Obviously it's covered, but you can kind of get the idea.
• A tunneled catheter has a cuff that stimulates tissue growth that will help hold it in place in the body. Examples of the tunneled catheter include HICKMAN® catheters, BROVIAC® catheters and GROSHONG® catheters. The tunneled catheter is the best choice when access to the vein is needed for long period of time. It is secure and easy to access. They are more secure and usually work more efficiently than PICCs because of their design (cuff on the catheter stimulating tissue growth) and larger size. This type of catheter has portions that hang outside the skin, and is used by connecting directly to the out side ports of the catheter. The patient does not get stuck directly when the catheter is used. This type of catheter must be protected from getting pulled or getting wet.
Flush: once a day when not being used
Length you can keep it: up to one year
A Broviac catheter must be placed surgically and must be removed surgically. They can be placed in several locations. His first one was in his leg, and all subsequent ones have been in his chest. Here is a picture of one. (You can see this was taken while still in the hospital and he also still had a standard IV line in his hand.)
Brett has had 5 Broviac lines
• A port catheter, or subcutaneous implantable port, is a permanent device that consists of a catheter attached to a small reservoir, both of which are placed under the skin similar to tunnel catheters. This catheter is placed completely under the skin. The patient's skin is punctured every time the catheter is used, but there are no restrictions on showering or bathing.
Flush: once a month when not being used
Length you can keep it: years--as long as you avoid infection
Here is a picture of Brett's Port unaccessed. You can see how the device is placed completely under the skin.
Here is a picture of Brett's port accessed. A needle is attached under the yellow square and it punctures the skin and allows "Access" to the device underneath the skin. Whenever the port is being actively used, the needle must stay in. It's changed fairly often. I forgot but I think it's once a week.
Here is a picture of Brett's Port unaccessed. You can see how the device is placed completely under the skin.
Here is a picture of Brett's port accessed. A needle is attached under the yellow square and it punctures the skin and allows "Access" to the device underneath the skin. Whenever the port is being actively used, the needle must stay in. It's changed fairly often. I forgot but I think it's once a week.
Brett has had one port that lasted 3 months before it got infected. It will be quite awhile before we go that route again, probably when he is much older.
