Central Venous Access Device (C-VAD)

Introduction

• C-VAD Definition: A thin, soft, flexible tube inserted into a large vein leading to the heart, also known as a catheter.
• Purpose: Used for long-term delivery of medication, nutrition, and fluids.
• Additional Use: Blood can be drawn from the C-VAD for testing.

Structure

• Catheter: Exits near the surface of the skin.
• Channels (Lumens): Can contain a single or multiple lumens for different uses.

Circulatory System Basics

• Components: Heart and blood vessels (arteries and veins).
• Function: Heart pumps blood through the blood vessels.
• Arteries: Carry blood away from the heart, delivering oxygen and nutrients to cells.
• Veins: Carry blood back to the heart.

Placement and Function

• Catheter Placement: Tip ends in a large vein near the heart, usually the superior vena cava.
• Duration: Can remain in place from months to years.
• Protection: Threaded under the skin; tip located far from the skin insertion site to decrease infection risk and protect from minor bumps and tugs.
• Vein Compatibility: Medicine and fluids do not typically irritate the vein lining due to the size of the vein.