Air embolism Blockage of a small artery by an air bubble carried in the blood.
Antecubital fossa The area in the crease of the arm where the veins are close to the surface of the skin.
Aseptic technique This is a sterile non touch procedure performed to prevent bacterial and microbial contamination and the risk of contracting an infection.
Basilic vein Arises from the ulnar side of the dorsal venous network of the hand. It passes up the elbow to the medial side of the arm.
Bionector® Needle-free intravenous (IV) access connector.
Blood clot A blood clot is a thickened mass in the blood formed by clotting factors called platelets. Clots form to stop bleeding. A blood clot that forms in a vein is called a thrombus.
Blood culture Blood sample taken and sent to laboratory to detect any bacteria or other micro-organisms. When obtaining blood cultures from a CVAD, samples must be taken from each lumen in multi- lumen lines and a peripheral vein. Each sample should state which lumen and vein the blood culture is taken from.
Cephalic vein Arises at the radial border of the dorsal vein of the hand and passes up the elbow to the lateral side of arm. It empties into upper part of the axiliary vein.
Chloraprep® A sterile applicator for cleaning the skin. It contains chlorhexidine 2% in isopropyl alcohol 70%.
Clot formation Plugging of damaged blood vessels by platelets.
Coagulation The mechanism by which blood clots are formed.
Extravasation This is the infiltration of an infused drug or fluid into surrounding tissue.
Fibrin sheath A fibrin sheath is a collection of tissue. Fibrin sheaths usually begin to form within a few days after the insertion of a central venous catheter. If the tissue has grown enough to extend beyond the tip of the catheter, it may be pulled into and obstruct the catheter opening when aspiration is attempted, but not resist infusion.
Flash back Terminology used to see if line bleeds back, i.e. blood or haemoserous fluid can be seen in the extension set or giving set when aspirated.
Interventional radiologist A radiologist who uses image guidance to gain access to vessels and organs to perform a procedure.
Lumen The channel within a tube such as a blood vessel.
Mechanical phlebitis Injury to endothelial layer of vessel caused by trauma, infection, and clots.
Needle free device Ideally Vygon TKO should be used on all CVADs
Thrombus A blood clot that has formed inside an intact blood vessel.
Urokinase A thrombolytic agent.
Securement device SecuAcath will remain in situ until PICC line removal.
Sterile transparent semi permeable dressing IV tegaderm Advance or IV3000 dressing.