Reasons for removing a CVC
- Catheter-related infection
- Catheter in place beyond the recommend time
- Persistent catheter occlusion
- Damaged catheter
Procedure:
- Aseptic techniques must also be followed when removing a tunnelled CVC and until the site is fully healed.
- Following removal of the sutures, patients should be positioned with a 30% head-down tilt, both during and following the removal of the catheter, to reduce the risk of an air embolus.
- A thin, polyurethane adhesive-coated dressing, which is permeable to water and oxygen, but not bacteria, should be applied to prevent scabbing and facilitate epidermal regeneration.
Possible complications when removing tunnelled CVCs include:
- Air embolism
- Catheter fracture with embolism
- Dislodgement of a thrombus or fibrin sheath
- Haemorrhage/bleeding
