Skills and Procedures

Tunneled central venous catheters (CVCs) represent a specialized type of long-term vascular access device designed for patients requiring extended intravenous therapy. Unlike standard central lines, tunneled CVCs feature a subcutaneous tract between the venous entry site and the exit point on the skin, providing enhanced infection protection and improved stability. The image illustrates the anatomical positioning of a tunneled CVC, showing its path from the external exit site through a subcutaneous tunnel, into the right subclavian vein, and ultimately terminating in the superior vena cava near the right atrium.

The proper emptying of urinary drainage bags represents a critical component of comprehensive catheter care that significantly impacts infection prevention and overall patient safety. The image illustrates the correct technique for emptying a urinary collection bag, showing a healthcare provider wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (blue gloves) while draining urine from the bag into a calibrated container.

Correct positioning ensures unobstructed urine flow through the catheter and tubing into the collection bag, prevents reflux of urine back toward the bladder, and minimizes the risk of catheter-related trauma. The illustration demonstrates two key principles: preventing compression of the catheter tubing by keeping it free from beneath the patient's body, and positioning the collection bag below bladder level by hanging it on the bed frame.

Proper positioning and secure attachment of urinary drainage bags are essential components of effective catheter management that significantly impact patient comfort, system functionality, and complication prevention. When patients require urinary catheterization, either through indwelling (Foley) catheters or external collection systems, the drainage bag must be positioned correctly to ensure unobstructed urine flow while minimizing the risk of reflux, infection, and accidental dislodgement. The image demonstrates the recommended technique for securing a leg bag to the thigh of an ambulatory patient with a condom catheter.

Implanted vascular access ports represent a significant advancement in long-term intravenous therapy, providing reliable access for patients requiring repeated administration of medications, blood products, or nutritional support. These subcutaneously implanted devices consist of a central catheter connected to a reservoir housed within a durable port body, which is surgically placed beneath the skin, typically in the upper chest area as shown in the image.

he pulmonary arterial catheter (PAC), also known as the Swan-Ganz catheter, represents one of the most significant advances in critical care medicine for hemodynamic monitoring. This specialized diagnostic tool is inserted through a central vein and advanced through the right heart chambers into the pulmonary artery, allowing direct measurement of cardiac pressures and function in critically ill patients.

Delve into the detailed illustration of percutaneous Central Venous Catheter (CVC) insertion techniques, highlighting the subclavian and internal jugular vein approaches. This medical image serves as an essential educational tool for medical students and professionals, offering insights into the anatomy and procedural steps involved in CVC placement. Gain a comprehensive understanding of these critical vascular access methods used in clinical practice.

Explore the intricacies of a non-tunneled Central Venous Access Device (CVAD) with this detailed medical illustration. This image provides a clear view of the device’s components and placement, serving as an essential resource for medical students and professionals learning about vascular access techniques. Understand the anatomy, procedure, and clinical applications of this critical medical tool through this comprehensive guide.

A Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter, commonly known as a PICC line, is an essential medical device that provides prolonged intravenous access for patients requiring long-term medication administration, nutritional support, or frequent blood sampling. This thin, flexible tube is inserted through a peripheral vein, typically in the upper arm, and advanced until the tip reaches a central vein near the heart. PICC lines have revolutionized patient care by reducing the need for repeated needle sticks and providing a reliable vascular access route for extended periods, ranging from weeks to months.