What is an intravenous catheter?

intravenous catheter is a small plastic tube inserted into the patient's vein. One is usually used to administer continuous drugs, fluids or blood. The catheter is usually part of an intravenous line or IV, which doctors often use to put drugs directly into the bloodstream.

intravenous catheters are inserted using a needle, which is then removed. For localization of a suitable vein in which the catheter can be inserted, a medical expert will usually tie the rubber turnstile around the body for admission, temporarily slow the blood flow and more distinct veins. The outer needle with a much smaller catheter inside is inserted into a vein. The outer needle is then removed and the catheter is held in place with a medical tape. The catheter is usually associated with a long, thin, plastic tube that can be attached to different types of IV bags.

When an intravenous catheter is placed in the arms or legs, it is typically referred to as peripheral IV . When it is placed in the veins that make up the centralThe circulation system, such as the jugular or subclavian vein located in the chest under the collar bone, is referred to as central IV . Although different, both types of intravenous catheter are inserted into a vein and are used essentially the same purpose - supplying fluids throughout the body through the circulatory system.

Complications may result from the use of an intravenous catheter. A common side effect is flebitis or swelling of the blood vein. This complication is not generally dangerous and can retreat quickly, depending on where the catheter has been inserted and how long it has been in the body. This condition in turn can lead to or swelling of the vein with blood. This may happen when the cause of the natural defense of the body with clotting against a foreign body - a catheter. This is also usually not serious and does not have the same consequences as other blood clots that may occur in larger, centrally placed veinsch.

More serious side effects of the use of intravenous catheter include septic thrombophlebitis and local infections. Septic thrombophlebitis is an infection of a blood vein in which a catheter was inserted. Local infection occurs when the place of insertion becomes an open wound and infected with the upper skin levels. Both are usually treatable with the standard course of antibiotics, but in rare cases they may require hospitalization.