VASCULAR ACCESS
(temporary hemodialysis catheter, permanent hemodialysis catheter, arteriovenous fistula)
Vascular accesses are devices to access the patient's bloodstream and thus administer different treatments. The indications for placing a vascular access are:
- Inefficient peripheral vascular access
- Administering risky (instead of harmful) medications
- Hemodynamic control
- Extracorporeal therapies
Harmful drug administration: Vasopressors, chemotherapy, and parenteral nutrition are typically administered via central venous catheters, as they can cause inflammation of the veins (phlebitis) when administered through a peripheral intravenous catheter.
Hemodynamic control: the central catheter allows the measurement of central venous pressure, venous oxyhemoglobin saturation (SvcO) and cardiac parameters (via pulmonary artery catheter).
Extracorporeal Therapies: A large diameter venous access is required to support the high volume flow required in many extracorporeal therapies, such as hemodialysis, Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT), and plasmapheresis.