Peripheral catheterization

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Revision as of 19:18, 10 November 2008 by imported>Robert Badgett
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In medicine, peripheral catheterization is "insertion of a catheter into a peripheral artery, vein, or airway for diagnostic or therapeutic purposes"[1] such as [[intravenous infusion] of medications or fluid therapy. This is in contrast to central venous catheterization.

Complications

Infiltration

The most common complication is infiltration of the intravenous infusion into the tissue surrounding the vein. This happens to approximately a third of catheterizations within 3 days.[2]

Bacterial colonization

The rate of bacterial colonization is depending on duration of catheterization is:[2]

  • 4 days is 1.0%
  • 5–9 days is 1.9%
  • 10–14 days 3.5%
  • 15–19 days is 7.0%
  • 20–24 days is 6.0%
  • >24 days is 5.7%

Prevention of complications

Routine replacement of peripheral catheterization every three days has similar complications to only replacing when complications occur.[3]

Phlebitis

Phlebitis occurs in approximately 3% of catheterizations within 3 days.[2]

References