Central Venous Catheter
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When checking my blog stats I noticed that some searches for the CVC (central venous catheter) found my site. So I thought I would include a post with a little information about the CVC.
Nick’s first central venous catheter was a PICC or peripherally inserted central catheter. I see these on a daily basis in my work at the hospital. They are inserted in a big vein either in the leg or upper arm, or the “periphery”.
If the tube is put into the leg it’s usually for a short day visit to the hospital for a procedure requiring access or for the delivery of fluids. The groin is an awkward place to have a big bore catheter; it doesn’t make moving around very easy.
The ones I see the most are in the upper arm. Both can be inserted in the patient’s room and with a local anesthetic (patient is awake). An x ray is taken to ensure proper placement before the PICC line is put to use.
The CVC inserted through the chest wall at the time of Nicholas’ treatment required operating room time and a general anesthetic but it could remain in place for months. What usually gets these removed is 1) no more need for it (Yippee!) or 2) it gets infected and starts to grow something funky. Nicholas had his replaced a few times.
Have you had any experience with one of these?
I remember I always hated my Port-A Cath because it left a bump in my upper chest, which I was self conscious about. I especially hated the poke when it came time to have chemo, always made me cringe when the needle went in, I would always turn away when the nurse would insert it. I had chemo for 2 hours in the hospital, then I would come home with this chemo infuser hooked into my central port, for 2 more days of chemo at home. I couldn’t shower for 2 days, and it was really difficult to sleep. When it was time to have the infuser removed, a home nurse would come and remove it, then flush the infuser with a solution to prevent clotting and to keep the line clear. Then I was good for another week and a half before the process started over again. Did that for 6 months, or 12 rounds.
It sounds like a very frightening time in your life. Thank you so much for sharing it.
Jesse had a Hickman which required surgery to implant. They never removed it after his death-just cut the external portion off.