Skills and Procedures

he illustration depicts a central venous catheter (CVC) secured to a patient's skin using suture fixation, one of the most traditional and widely practiced methods for preventing catheter displacement and migration.

The image displays a recently inserted temporary dual-lumen hemodialysis catheter positioned in the left internal jugular vein of a patient. This type of central venous access device serves as a crucial but temporary vascular access option for patients requiring urgent or short-term hemodialysis treatment. The catheter features two color-coded lumens—red for arterial (blood withdrawal) and blue for venous (blood return)—that facilitate the extracorporeal blood circuit necessary for dialysis.

Implanted venous access ports represent a significant advancement in long-term vascular access technology that combines reliable function with enhanced patient comfort and reduced infection risk. As illustrated in the image, these totally implantable devices consist of a reservoir (port) with a self-sealing septum connected to a catheter that extends through the venous system to terminate near the heart. Unlike external catheters, the entire system resides beneath the skin, requiring no external components when not in use.

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.