Indwelling Access Devices

Chapter 41 Indwelling Access Devices








Choice of Device


We recommend indwelling venous access devices based on patient characteristics and preference, anticipated duration of use, purpose(s) for which the device is required, and relative complication rates among catheters and ports.


PICCs can be selected when duration of use will be 3 months or less. They are an appropriate choice when patients have chest wall problems, require outpatient-based treatments, and/or have thrombocytopenia. PICCs allow for vesicant infusions, antifungal and antibiotic therapies, and hyperalimentation.


Peripheral ports may be used longer than PICCs, but not longer than 6 months, and they may be chosen for patients with chest wall problems receiving outpatient-based treatments.


Tunneled catheters may be chosen for patients with thrombocytopenia who require frequent access, rapid infusion, or administration of vesicants. Valved catheters that do not require heparin are useful for patients who should not receive heparin. Like peripheral ports, they may be used for up to 6 months.

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Jun 12, 2016 | Posted by in HEMATOLOGY | Comments Off on Indwelling Access Devices

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