Venous access is an interventional radiology procedure that allows your child's healthcare team to administer medicine or other fluids through an IV line, eliminating the need for frequent needle punctures.
This procedure requires placing a catheter (small tube) in a vein—typically in your child's arm. There are different types of catheters. Some may be used for a few days while others may remain in place for weeks or months. Types of catheters used for venous access include:
- Triple lumen catheter. This is a temporary central line (tube leading to a vein near the heart). It is normally used for a week or two.
- Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). A PICC is a central line placed through a vein in the arm. It can remain in place for weeks to months.
- Tunneled central venous catheter. This central line can be used for months.
- Port-a-cath. Also called a chest port, a port-a-cath is a central line that is implanted in the chest and is usually used for chemotherapy. It is removed once treatment is complete.
- Dialysis catheter. This type of catheter is specifically made for dialysis.
Venous access normally takes about an hour, including any sedation or anesthesia your child may need.
What to Expect
What to Expect
Venous access may be an inpatient or outpatient procedure. The process includes the following steps:
- Your child is given a sedative or put to sleep and monitored closely by an anesthesiologist.
- The interventional radiologist makes a small incision in the selected place on the body. The location where the catheter will be inserted depends on your child's needs and the type of catheter.
- The interventional radiologist uses live imaging (ultrasound or X-ray) to precisely guide the catheter through the vein to the correct location.
- If a port-a-cath is being implanted, it will be placed under the skin.
- Your child will be taken to a recovery room to wake up. A nurse will care for your child and watch for complications. Medicine can be immediately administered through a central line if your child needs it.
- A long-term central line needs special care. Your child's nurse will show you how to perform this care before you go home.
Sometimes a child may experience bleeding or swelling where the interventional radiologist inserted the central line. Rarely, infection can happen, which is treated with antibiotics. Any catheter can cause irregular heartbeat if it is placed too close to the heart. This problem can be corrected by repositioning the catheter.
Key Points to Remember
Key Points to Remember
- Venous access helps your child be more comfortable by removing the need for multiple needle sticks.
- Your child will be sedated or under anesthesia during the procedure.
- A nurse will show you how to care for your child’s long-term central line before you go home.
Locations
Locations
Locations
In addition to our primary hospital location at the Academic Health Center in Indianapolis, IN, we have convenient locations to better serve our communities throughout the state.