Insertion and placement of central catheters in the oncology patient.
OBJECTIVE
To review the current up-to-date recommendations for insertion and placement of central venous access devices and discuss the prevention of complications during and post-placement of central catheters.


METHODS
Journal articles, electronic articles, organizational position papers, personal experience.


CONCLUSIONS
There are numerous types of vascular access catheters that play an important role in the management of complex treatments for the oncology patient. Cancer patients with a catheter have a higher rate of thrombosis and infection as part of their disease process and treatment; hence, nursing care can eliminate or minimize complications.


CONCLUSIONS
Nurses must be educated on the correct procedures and rationale for insertion and placement as well as for the care and maintenance of each specific device.
Galloway
Margy
M
St. Luke's Hospital, Kansas City, MO 64111, USA. margy501@swbell.net
D055499:Catheter-Related Infections / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D002405:Catheterization, Central Venous / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods* / Q000451:nursing*; D002408:Catheters, Indwelling / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000600:supply & distribution; D057189:Checklist; D003428:Cross Infection / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D004867:Equipment Design; D006801:Humans; D017053:Infection Control; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment / Q000379:methods; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000193:education / Q000379:methods*; D018579:Patient Selection; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D014463:Ultrasonography; D014680:Veins / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging