{At home}  {Indications}  {The catheter}  {Dangers}

Insertion of the catheter to parenteral nutrition to the main vein

            A doctor must insert catheter that goes to the main vein.  We will be looking at three accesses to the main vein:

1.      Insertion of a catheter about 55cm long through cephalic vein or basilic vein.  This insertion is relatively easy, however at times it’s impossible to put the catheter through the subclavian vein.  Other problems may occur, such as thrombotic infection of the vein through which the catheter was inserted. Also the heart might get poked through by the catheter since the tube has about 10-15cm of room to move around in.  This is why this method used to be used rarely; though this method is bringing back some interest with the development of newer slimmer and softer catheters.  

2.      Lower access, through insertion of the catheter through the thigh vein, or through surgical insertion of the catheter through one of the branches of the thigh vein through the hip vein to the lower vein. 

3.      Upper access through insertion of the tube through the neck vein, subclavicular or venous angle is sued most frequently.  For patients who are treated at home the tube is inserted for more than three months.  Such catheter is inserted under the skin and it is 10-25 cm long. This tube protects the patient from infections that could transpire form the outer lining of the catheter. 

The insertion of the catheter to the central vein system is a procedure that could be the cause of several serious complications that arise at times. That is why the insertion of the catheter must be done under the surgeon supervision with the appropriate apparatus.  This procedure should be done on that day and it should be the first procedure that is being done in that operating room.  If the patient does have an existing infection, the insertion of the tube should be done in what’s called the “dirty” operating room, or the room that already has been used that day.  Due to the catheter insertion location it is extremely important to follow all necessary sanitary precessions.

{At home}  {Indications}  {The catheter}  {Dangers}