Discovering Central Venous Access Devices (CVADs): Your Gateway to Tailored Care

CVADs come in a wide array of devices, each uniquely designed to meet specific needs. In essence, they all share a common feature: a thin, elongated plastic tube known as a “line” or “catheter.”

Imagine one end of this catheter comfortably resting in the body’s largest vein, the Superior Vena Cava. This vital vessel carries blood from the head, chest, and arms back into the heart. The other end of the catheter links to a device, seamlessly facilitating the injection of medications.

What sets these devices apart is how they connect: either discreetly secured beneath the skin or extending outside the body. Among the plethora of options, the three most widely employed for long-term treatment are: Portacath, Tunnelled CVAD(most common being Hickman Line®) or PICC.

Uncover a world of tailored care with CVADs – your personalised solution for long-term treatment.

Navigating Access Options: A Closer Look at these 3 Medical Devices:

  • Portacath: The Portacath is a dynamic duo – a port and a catheter. Picture a small injectable chamber (the port) comfortably tucked beneath the skin through a subtle scar. They are typically placed on the outer chest or inner aspect of the upper arm, although flexibility allows for placement anywhere.

  • Tunnelled CVAD (Hickman® Line): In this configuration, the catheter emerges through a small scar on the front of the chest, culminating in a connector that serves as the access point for medication administration. A small “cuff” is embedded onto the lie and secures the catheter snugly beneath the skin, ensuring the device remains firmly in position. Various types of Tunnelled CVADs exist, each possessing unique characteristics. The primary distinction lies in the number of lumens, with a Broviac®line featuring a single lumen and a Hickman® line accommodating two lumens, enabling the simultaneous administration of multiple agents.

  • PICC (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter): With a PICC, the catheter emerges through the same skin entry point. Positioned on the inner upper arm, the external portion and connectors are meticulously secured with dressings, providing a reliable and accessible point for medication administration.

OPENING HOURS

Monday 14:00 – 20:00
Tuesday 18:00 – 20:00
Wednesday 18:00 – 20:00
Friday 14:00 – 20:00

admin@yorkshirevascularaccess.com

+44 (0) 7951 643666

OFFICE LOCATIONS

Portacath

Wave

The Portacath, a combination of a port and catheter, is discreetly placed under the skin, typically on the chest or upper arm. It offers a subtle and efficient solution for long-term medication administration.

Tunnelled CVAD

Wave

This device features a catheter with a chest exit point and a secure under-skin cuff, providing stable, long-term access. Available in single-lumen (Broviac®) and dual-lumen (Hickman®) varieties, it accommodates diverse treatment needs.

PICC

Wave

A PICC line, inserted through the upper arm, offers a reliable and accessible route for medication delivery. It’s externally secured and ideal for patients needing frequent, long-term treatment access with minimal intrusion.