SMTL Medical Disposable Datacard

CV Catheter set-multi lumen

Description

Central venous (CV) catheter sets must include the following items: a multi-lumen catheter (which can possess 2,3,4 or 5 lumen), a dilator, suture wings, an introducer needle (usually with IV cannula), a guidewire with holder and a syringe. Other items may be present (see below).

Each lumen of the catheter possesses a slide clamp and female luer (a removeable injection port or needle-free connector may also be attached to some of the lumen). The width of each lumen is printed on the tube itself as well as on the packaging. Sets always include an IV cannula with needle. These sets may also include a mini scalpel and a connecting cable for ECG leads (ECG leads may sometimes be required in Cardiology but not for Anaesthetics).

Key areas where used

• Coronary care
• Theatre
• HDU
• A and E

Method of use

CV catheters are used for CV blood pressure monitoring, blood sampling and the long term administration of solutions (such as long term antibiotic adminstration, chemotherapy and parenteral nutrition). Multiple lumen allow a combination of fluids, drugs and blood to be administered centrally at any given time. Three-way stop-cocks are no longer used and most kits now come with a suitable number of needle free connectors.  The type of connector may be important as there are some incompatibilities to consider, especially with the Aurum prefilled glass syringes used for emergency and resuscitation drugs.

Please note: Luer-compatible needle free connectors should be incompatible with whichever non-luer neuraxial connectors are adopted in the Welsh NHS

To insert the catheter, the patient is placed in the 'head down' position. The introducer needle generally has a cannula over it, so that following puncture of a central vein the needle can be withdrawn and the guidewire inserted via the cannula. Guidewires possess holders which allow sterile and controlled handling of the guidewire during insertion.  Once inserted, the guidewire is advanced down the vein. Following this, the dilator is inserted over the guidewire and removed to increase the size of the insertion hole. Once this is complete, the multi-lumen catheter is inserted over the guidewire and the guidewire removed. This is known as the Seldinger technique. The catheter is secured by suturing the wings to the skin.

Presentation

Sets are individually packaged in a peel pouch

Sizes Required

• 12-16cm (the standard catheter length used for most procedures)
• 20cm (this catheter length should only to be used for left sided central lines or possibly femoral lines, and tend to be used for tall patients)
• 14-20G (catheter lumen diameter)

Example products

The following table lists examples of products known to be acceptable for this product description.

Editors

P Phillips and J Ford

Please inform SMTL of any inaccuracies noted or amendments required in this datacard.

Disclaimer

This datacard has been prepared as an aid to contracting for purchasers in the NHS in Wales, and should not be used as a substitute for literature, instructions or training from the manufacturers of the devices.

Products mentioned in this datacard are for illustration purposes only and should not be seen as an endorsement of these products.