What is a vascular access device?

A vascular access device (VAD) is a catheter that sits in a vein to allow access for blood sampling and/or intravenous therapy.

There are different types of VAD. The device you have will have been selected based on your treatment needs.

Examples include:

• Portacath
• Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC)
• Groshong line
• Hickman line.

What is vascular access?

Vascular access can be achieved using either:

• a central device, inserted into a major vein such as the neck or chest
• a peripheral device, inserted into a vein in the arm or hand.

Central devices can usually remain in place for longer periods.

How long can a VAD remain in place?

Many vascular access devices can remain in place for up to two years.

Some devices can remain in place for longer, depending on the manufacturer's guidance.

How to care for your VAD

Some hospitals provide a VAD passport when you are discharged. This contains information about your device, including its length and position.

This information is important for the healthcare professionals caring for you in the community.

To help reduce the risk of complications:

• keep your VAD dry and keep the dressing intact
• Portacath, Groshong and Hickman devices do not usually require a dressing
• do not touch your device unnecessarily or allow others to touch it
• maintain good hand hygiene and personal hygiene
• do not insert medication into the device or allow others to do so unless instructed by a healthcare professional.

What should I do if?

The dressing becomes wet

Do not remove the dressing. Pat the dressing dry using a clean towel and contact the community nursing team.

The line has moved or become dislodged

A spare dressing may be left in your home. Gently curl the line and apply the dressing.

Contact the community nursing team or the hospital where the line was inserted.

Do not remove the line.

The line comes out

Apply pressure to the area using gauze if there is any bleeding.

Cover the insertion site with a dressing or plaster.

Contact the community nursing team immediately.

You experience any of the following symptoms

• your arm or jaw becomes painful
• you develop breathing difficulties
• you feel unusually unwell.

Contact the community nursing team immediately.

Care and maintenance of your VAD

Depending on the type of VAD you have, it may require regular 'flushes'.

A flush is carried out by a nurse to make sure the device is working correctly and remains patent. If your VAD is not being actively used for treatment, it may need to be flushed weekly.

Some devices may also require a weekly dressing change.

Signs and symptoms of sepsis

Seek advice immediately if you experience:

• pain, redness or swelling (phlebitis) around the insertion site
• a temperature above 38.3°C or below 35.5°C
• a respiratory rate above 20 breaths per minute
• a family member/friend notices you become confused or you lose  consciousness
• a heart rate above 90 beats per minute.

Contact the community nursing team if you experience any of these signs or symptoms.

If your condition deteriorates, call 999.