Catheter Types

Both Seldinger and ‘through-the-needle’ CVCs are more technically demanding to place than a peripheral catheter.  Of the two types, ‘through-the-needle’ catheters are easiest to place. We currently supply Seldinger kits, as we believe these are clinically better and more versatile than through the needle sets.  Click here for a brief comparison of the two catheter techniques and their main benefits and limitations.

Indications

CVCs are indicated in a number of situations, including:

Cases requiring prolonged I/V access

When frequent blood sampling is required

Administration of fluids with other dedicated procedures

Monitoring of CVP

Infusion of irritant fluids (chemotherapy, TPN fluids etc)

Benefits of CVCs over peripheral catheters

Jugular catheters do not kink or occlude in normal clinical situation

Greater IV access points for placement

Central benefits (CVP monitoring, irritant fluids etc)

Multiple channel options

Improved patient comfort

Benefits of multi-lumen over single lumen catheters

Dedicated lumens for different purposes

Multiple dedicated functions from the same I/V access point

Blood samples are always pure

Multiple infusions do not need one-way valves to protect against back-flow