Thursday September 27, 2007
Bedside tip - central line removal

It is important to be aware of potentially fatal complication of CVC removal i.e, air embolism.

Place the patient in the supine Trendelenberg's position. Use bacitracin (or other petroleum based jelly) and an occlusive dressing to prevent air entry.

Instruct patient on Valsalva maneuver or have patient exhale. Slowly remove catheter while patient is holding breath and apply immediate pressure to exit site with a gauze/ointment dressing. Dressing should be left in place for 24 hours. If no contraindication, instruct patient to remain in supine position for 30 minutes after removal.



Reference:

1. Preventing air embolism when removing CVCs: an evidence-based approach to changing practice, MedSurg Nursing, August, 2003