Air embolism:

Blockage of a small artery by an air bubble carried in the blood.

Antecubital fossa:

The area in the crease of the arm where the veins are close to the surface of the skin.

Antimicrobial chlorhexidine sponge disc dressing:

e.g. Biopatch.

Aseptic technique:

This is a sterile procedure performed to prevent contamination and risk of contracting infection.

Basilic vein:

Arises from the ulnar side of the dorsal venous network of the hand.

Blood clot:

A clot or other obstruction in the catheter can produce a one way valve effect. During infusion the catheter wall expands slightly and allows fluid to flow around the obstruction. During aspiration the catheter wall contracts slightly tightening down around the obstruction and preventing aspiration.

Blood culture:

Blood sample taken and sent to the laboratory to detect any bacteria or other microorganisms. When obtaining blood cultures from a CVAD, cultures must be taken peripherally first and then from each lumen of the CVAD. Each sample should clearly state where the blood culture has been taken from.

Cephalic vein:

Arises at the radial border of the dorsal venous arch of the hand and passes up the elbow to the lateral side of the arm and drains into the upper part of the axillary vein.

 Chlorhexidine 2% in 70% alcohol sponge applicator:

e.g. Chloroprep.

Chlorhexidine 2% in 70% alcohol wipe:

e.g. Clinell Wipe (green).

Extravasation:

The infiltration of a drug into the surrounding tissue.

Fibrin sheath:

Fibrin sheaths usually begin to form within a few days after the insertion of a CVAD. If it has grown enough to extend beyond the tip of the CVAD, it may be pulled into and obstruct the CVAD opening when aspiration is attempted, but not resist infusion.

Interventional radiologist:

A radiologist who uses image guidance to gain access to vessels and organs to perform a procedure.

Lumen:

The cavity of tube within an organ.

Needle free device:

Vygon TKO should be used on all CVADs

Port needle:

A huber needle used to access totally implantable ports, examples include the perfusafe2 needle; safestep needle or Deltec gripper needle.

Securement device:

SecurAcath will be placed at the time of PICC line insertion, this will remain insitu until PICC line removal. If a SecurAcath has not been applied at insertion e.g. PICC line inserted in another healthboard then GripLok or wide steri-strips must be used to secure PICC lines.

Sterile transparent semi-permeable dressing:

e.g. IV Tegaderm Advance or IV3000 dressing.

Thrombosis:

A blood clot that has formed within an intact blood vessel.

Urokinase / Syner-KINASE:

A thrombolytic agent used to unblock CVADs.