COVIDIEN Argyle™ Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter - Manual (Page 3)

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could cause cardiac penetration and subsequent pericardial effusion and tamponade.
• The catheter must not be withdrawn while a “splittable needle” introducer is in the patient. Doing
so could cause shearing of the catheter. Note: Introducers other than the “catheter over needle” type
should be used following the manufacturers specific instructions.
• Do not use a sharp clamp or instrument to handle the catheter since even a minor cut
could tear or break the catheter.
• Do not stretch catheter. Too much tension could tear the catheter.
• To avoid damage to blood vessels and viscus, catheters should not be subjected to
injection pressures greater than 25 psi. Use of a small diameter syringe (such as a
tuberculin) can result in very high pressures. If the catheter were occluded, high
pressure could rupture it or force the cause of the occlusion to be injected into the
patient. Only use syringes 5cc or larger with this product.
• Prevent powder on sterile gloves from making contact with the catheter.
• After placement, care should be taken to prevent the kinking or occlusion of catheter while securing
it because flow could be reduced or stopped.
• The catheter must not be sutured.
• Holes located on the stabilizing wing, if present, are intended to be used with Argyle™ catheter
securement devices and are not intended for suturing.
• If phlebitis, infection, or symptoms of patient reaction should occur, all I.V. catheters being utilized
must be treated as a possible reason for the complication.
• Guidewires or stylets are not intended to be used with this catheter.
• Do not use alcohol or acetone based skin preparations, adhesive enhancers, or solutions
directly on the catheter
• Note: Do not apply tape to the catheter
• Contraindications include the following:
Rapid large infusion Cellulitis sites
Rapid bolus infusion Radiation therapy planned at the site
Hemodialysis Severe coagulopathies
Plasmapheresis Contractures of limb to be used
High pressure injection Existing thrombophlebitis at site
for diagnostic purposes Blood infusion
Burn sites Aspiration of blood for sampling
Dermatitis sites
POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS:
While an indwelling venous catheter supplies vital venous access for critically ill patients, the potential
for serious complication exists, such as:
Air Embolus Arrhythmia
Arterial Puncture Bleeding
Catheter Fragment Embolus Erosion/Perforation of Vessel/Heart
Hematoma Hemothorax
Hydrothorax Infection and Catheter Related Sepsis
Intimal Dissection Migration of Catheter
Myocardial Damage Nerve Damage
including Perforation Pneumothorax
Pulmonary Artery Rupture Thrombosis
Valvular Damage
RECOMMENDED CATHETER PLACEMENT PROCEDURE:
1. Obtain informed consent per hospital protocol.
2. Select an appropriate vein for cannulation. Suggested access sites include the external jugular,
basilic, cephalic, femoral, or great saphenous vein.
3. Position the patient. If arm is used, extend the patient’s arm laterally 90 degrees to the body for
adequate visualization of site.
4. Measure the approximate distance from the insertion site to the point at which the catheter tip
will be placed. Optional: Trim the catheter to length according to hospital or institutional protocol.
Catheter Trimming Recommendations: Maintain asceptic technique while using a sharp sterile
scalpel or sterile scissors to cut the distal end of the catheter squarely to produce a clean, smooth
cut surface. Inspect cut surface to assure there is no loose material.
5. Use standard hospital protocol and aseptic techniques to prepare the venipuncture site.