VASCULAR ACCESS DEVICES

TYPES

Vascular access devices (VADs) come in a variety of types, and they can be inserted either centrally or peripherally. These include the following: 

• Midlines. Midlines are utilized for fluids or medications that don’t aggravate veins. It is inserted into a large vein throughout the arm and ends in a large vein close to the heart. 
• Cannulae. The most frequent type of vascular access device is a cannula. They’re commonly used for short-term blood, fluid, and drug infusions, and they’re simple to insert by medical professionals.
• Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs). thin, flexible tube that is inserted into the superior vena cava, a big vein directly above the right side of the heart, from a vein in the upper arm.Additionally, IV  fluids, chemotherapy, blood transfusions, and other medications are given through it.
• Implanted Ports. An implanted port is put beneath the skin during surgery.  Besides, IV drugs,  food, fluids, and blood samples can all be given through ports. Further, a port is most commonly placed on the upper chest, directly below the collarbone.
• Central Venous Catheter (CVC). A central venous catheter, also referred to as a central line, is a device that doctors insert into a large vein in the chest, neck, arm, or groin to quickly provide blood, fluids, or drugs, as well as perform medical tests.
• Peripheral Venous Catheter (PVC). The simplest way to gain vascular access to administer medications or fluids is to implant a peripheral venous catheter. In most cases, drugs designed for IV delivery must be diluted correctly. Moreover, injections, intermittent infusions, and constant IV infusions are all options for administering drugs intravenously.

It’s difficult to choose the best VADs for a certain patient because no single device can suit all of their needs. However, knowing how each system is functioning, as well as its boundaries and risks, can help you make the best option.