CLINICAL CATHETERIZATION TECHNIQUE AND APPARATUS FOR PERFORMING SAME

摘要

An improved clinical technique for central venous catheterization and apparatus for performing same. The catheterization apparatus includes a small gauge hollow steel needle (14) having a long plastic catheter introducer (16) covering all but the very tip (22) of the needle (14). The needle (14) positions the plastic introducer (16) into the vein (40) whereupon the needle (14) is removed. Next, a guide wire (18) is inserted into the introducer (16) and into the vein (40). After the guide wire (18) is in place, the introducer (16) is peeled away from the guide wire (18), and the guide wire (18) and plastic catheter (20) are threaded into the central venous system (40). Once the catheter (20) is in place, the guide wire (18) is removed, the catheter (20) is attached to an intravenous unit and the catheter (20) is sutured to the skin.