Clinical dilemmas: vascular access devices.
OBJECTIVE
To present an overview of clinical dilemmas regarding maintenance care and managing complications of vascular access devices (VADs).


METHODS
Current research and published literature.


CONCLUSIONS
The use of VADs has increased over the past three decades because they have proven to be an effective and convenient method of accessing the venous system. The difficulty of maintaining VADs during the course of treatment however, continues to be a challenge resulting in practice dilemmas.


CONCLUSIONS
Although VADs have been in use for more than 30 years, no universal standard of maintenance care exists. Research is still needed to establish evidence-based practice regarding the care and maintenance of VADs.
Camp-Sorrell
Dawn
D
Hematology & Oncology Associates of Alabama, Sylacauga, AL, USA. ONPDawn@bellsouth.net
D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans