Central venous access is a vitally important aspect of modern medicine supporting the administration of chemotherapy, renal dialysis, parenteral nutrition, critical care as well as a variety of other treatments. Central venous access requires meticulous attention to detail to ensure patient safety.
The placement of central venous access devices is something of a “Cinderella” specialty involving practitioners from a range of backgrounds including anaesthetists, radiologists, surgeons and nurses. Consistent training is thus very important.
Improvements in supporting technology, including ultrasound imaging, have greatly improved the safety of central venous catheter placement; however the operator must be aware of some of the pitfalls. Similarly, a thorough understanding of the available access needles, Seldinger guidewires and catheters is important.
The faculty aim to discuss the current best practice for central venous cannulation and post-insertion catheter care, as well as review the selection of appropriate catheters for the individual patient. We will also discuss optimisation of ultrasound imaging and guidance, to improve the safety of central venous cannulation.
Anaesthetists play an increasing role in the provision of long term access; we will provide video demonstrations of the placement of Hickman catheters and other long term devices, as well as best practice for fixation.
Central venous access is associated with a persistent and significant incidence of serious morbidity and occasional mortality. We will highlight some of the common short and long term complications and methods of prevention and treatment.
The provision of safe central venous access is important to patients. Anaesthetists are well placed to provide and lead central venous access services.
Programme
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Current best practice and guidance Dr Tim Jackson, Huddersfield
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The anatomy of central veinsDr James Bennett, Birmingham
• The physics of ultrasound/getting the best from your ultrasound machine Dr Matt Jones, Kent
• How to place a central line: video demonstrationDr Matt Jones, Kent
• The complications of central venous access Dr James Bennett, Birmingham
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Catheter selectionMr Colin Fairhurst, Plymouth
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Rotating workshops in small groups