Catheter Maintenance

There can be a variety of reasons for a patient to require a central catheter and hence a catheter maintenance. Central venous therapy can be primarily one of the big reasons for catheter placement. This involves placing a catheter into one of the patient’s central veins. The tip is situated in the superior vena cava. Catheter Maintenance in this case includes the following actions

• Keeping the catheter functioning properly
• Minimize any negative effects on the patient

There are several types of central catheters, majorly divided into nontunnelled and tunnelled. These catheter are made from differen types of materials such as teflon, polyurethane, silicone, polyvinyl chloride, each type requires specific maintenance.

Maintenance care for Catheter

In addition to flushing and regular wipe out, all central catheters require routine sterile dressing changes. The frequency of dressing change depends upon the condition weather the patient is hospitalized or indoors at home. If the catheter is used for long term it must be left in place during the entire time. Patients undergoing major surgery are often catheterized and may remain so for some time.

Another variety of catheter bags is the urine catheter. There are two types of drainage bags: The first is a leg bag, a smaller drainage device that attaches by elastic bands to the leg. A leg bag is usually worn during the day, as it fits discreetly under pants or skirts, and is easily emptied into a toilet. The second type of drainage bag is a larger device called a down drain that may be used overnight. This device is hung on a hook under the patient’s bed – they are never to be placed on the floor due to the risk of bacterial infection.