The CVAA Guidelines are being launched at the Annual Conference in Quebec City (April 24-26, 2019) and the CVAA Board and Guideline Development Group are so excited to share them with you!

Each week leading up to the launch, we will be sharing a sneak peek. 

This week, VAD Management! The topics included in the Guidelines > VAD Management:

• Assessment
• Skin Antisepsis
• VAD Securement
• Dressing Change
• VAD Protection: Site Protection; Joint Stabilization; Restraint/Physical Immobilization Device
• Add-On Devices
• Patency, Flushing, and Locking
• VAD Removal

Some highlights include: 

• How often to assess VAD and site and what to look for
• Peripherally administered vesicants
• Preferred skin antiseptic
• When to use sutures
• How to determine which securement method to use for your patient
• When to use a chlorhexidine-impregnated sponge/dressing
• Information on tackifiers
• How to protect skin integrity
• When to change transparent and non-transparent dressings
• Considerations when using VAD protection
• When to change add-on device
• Information on needle-free connectors, stopcocks, disinfectant caps, and extension sets
• Intervals for VAD flushing and patency confirmation
• How to flush
• Alternative lock solutions
• When and how to remove VAD
• How to prevent air or catheter embolism during VAD removal