Save Your Veins: Care Instructions

Overview

Treatment for some health problems means getting access to a vein to give medicine, fluids, or nutrients or to collect blood. But a lot of needle pokes can be painful and can damage the vein. A vascular access device placed in a vein can reduce pain and prevent damage to the vein.

Several kinds of devices are available and can be used for weeks or months.

• An implanted port is a device that is placed under the skin of your chest or arm. It's about the size of a quarter, but thicker. A thin, flexible tube runs under the skin from the port into a large vein in your chest.
• A central line is a thin, flexible tube placed in a vein in your arm, neck, or chest. This device also has a small access port that stays on your skin. The port is kept in place with a few stitches.

Tell your doctor if you take aspirin or some other blood thinner. These medicines can increase the chance of bleeding when you have one of these devices. Also tell your doctor ALL the medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal remedies you take. Some may increase the risk of problems when you have one of these devices.

You will learn how to care for your device so it doesn't get infected or blocked. You may need to limit some of your activities while you have the device in.

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Always wash your hands with soap and water before touching your device.
• To help prevent infection, you may need to take a shower instead of a bath when you have a vascular access device. You may have to avoid swimming.
• Clean the area around the device with soap and water daily or if it gets dirty.
• Do not wear clothing that rubs or pulls on the device.
• Don't wear jewelry, such as necklaces, that can catch on the device.
• You may not be able to do exercises that involve the part of the body with the device. Ask your doctor what activities you can do.
• Clamp off the device if it breaks. Then go see a doctor as soon as possible.
• Your device will need regular flushing to keep it open. Your care team may do this for you. You or a caregiver can be taught to do this at home.
• Carry a medical alert card with you, and consider wearing a medical alert bracelet. These will tell health care providers you have a vascular access device in case you need emergency care.