Summary of Catheter Techniques

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Through the needle
1	A needle is placed in the vein,
2	The catheter is placed down through the lumen of the needle,
3	The needle is then withdrawn into a protective sleeve.

	Benefits:
	Relatively simple to place
	Minimal equipment required in kit

	Limitations:
	Maximum size of catheter is smaller than size of needle
	Large venepuncture site compared to catheter size
	Generally limited regarding multiple lumens
	Needle is left attached to the catheter, increasing bulk etc


Seldinger
1	A needle is placed in the vein
2	A guide wire is placed down the needle
3	The needle is withdrawn totally
4	The catheter is advanced over the guide wire and into the vein
5	Guide wire is withdrawn

	Benefits:
	Catheter size not directly related to needle size
	Any combination of lumen size and number possible from small needle and guide wire
	Reduced bulk as needle is removed totally
	Fewer potential problems with haemostasis after venepuncture

	Limitations:
	Patient needles to be still for longer as placement takes longer
	More components in kit to handle

Which ever technique you use, the clinical benefits of using CVCs to you and your patient in need will far outweigh any inconvenience in placing them.
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