Peripheral venous catheter
The catheter is introduced into the vein by a needle (similar to blood drawing), which is subsequently removed while the small plastic cannula remains in place.
In children, a topical anaesthetic gel (such as lidocaine) may be applied to the insertion site to facilitate placement.
[4] Infection, phlebitis, extravasation, infiltration, air embolism, hemorrhage (bleeding) and formation of a hematoma (bruise) may occur.
A catheter embolism may occur when a small part of the cannula breaks off and flows into the vascular system.
[5] Because of the risk of insertion-site infection the CDC advises in their guideline that the catheter needs to be replaced every 96 hours.
1. The catheter itself is composed of (a) a tip for insertion into the vein, (b) wings for manual handling and securing the catheter with adhesives, (c) a valve to allow injection of drugs with a syringe, (d) an end which allows connection to an intravenous infusion line, and capping in between uses.
2. The needle (partially retracted) which serves only as a guidewire for inserting the cannula.
3. The protection cap which is removed before use.
