Standardised procedures for a number of clinical procedures are published by most NHS Trusts, including those for the use of tunnelled CVCs.Ā
These standardised procedures include the insertion, use and removal of tunnelled CVCs. It is important to follow these standardised procedures to preserve the integrity of patientsā veins and prevent any complications.Ā
Examples of standardised procedures published by various NHS Trusts on the use of tunnelled CVCs include the following:
- Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust Policy
This document on the insertion and care of CVCs in hospital was used as an example in the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) medical technology guidance adoption support resource for SecurAcath for securing percutaneous catheters, but was not commissioned, produced or sanctioned by NICE.
- Guy and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust – Hickman line insertionĀ
- Guy and St Thomas NHS Foundation Trust – Port-a-cath insertion
- Hull and East Yorkshire Hospitals NHS TrustĀ
This document combines Policy, Procedure and Guidelines for CVCs in oncology and haematology adults.
- Northumbria Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
It is important check if patients are taking anticoagulants such as warfarin or rivaroxaban, or antiplatelets such as aspirin and clopidogrel because these drugs may need adjusting or stopping temporarily before the procedure.
Clinical nurse specialists are able to insert and remove certain types of central venous access devices, and access port-a-caths following a theory and practice training course on CVC procedures in settings such as emergency rooms, intensive care units and high dependency units .
