Clinician's Perspective on Indwelling Central Venous Access Devices

Abstract

Central venous access devices (VADs) have facilitated the delivery of medical therapy in cancer care. In particular, VADs use has hastened the evolution of blood and marrow transplantation. A variety of external catheters and implantable ports are available for specific clinical indications, which include prolonged and brief cancer therapy, stem cell collection, hemodialysis, total parenteral nutrition, prolonged intravenous therapy, and the acute care needs of a blood or marrow transplant patient. The clinician responsible for direct patient care and the clinical service placing the VADs coordinate efforts so that the appropriate catheter is placed in a timely manner. This cooperative effort ensures optimal patient care.

Keywords:

Venous access - cancer therapy - catheter