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 Complications! The topics included in the Guidelines > VAD Complications:

• Phlebitis
• Catheter-Related Infection
• Infiltration and Extravasation
• Nerve Injury
• Site Bleeding, Hematoma, and Hemorrhage
• VAD-Associated Thrombosis
• VAD-Associated Skin Impairment
• CVAD Malposition
• VAD Damage and Repair
• CVAD Occlusion
• Catheter and Wire Embolism
• Air Embolism

Some highlights include: 

• Signs and symptoms for all complications
• Risk factors to look for when assessing patient and strategies to use to reduce these risk factors
• Interventions to address complications
• Information on CLABSI and CRI
• When to use antimicrobial or antiseptic impregnated CVAD
• Calculation for CLABSI rates
• Specimens to obtain for culture and sensitivity
• Which sites not to use, due to high risk
• How to manage infiltration and extravasation
• What action to take if patient reports paresthesiatype pain
• How to use tourniquets
• Selfcare strategies for patients
• How to manage deep vein thrombosis
• Alternatives for adhesiveengineered securement device
• How to manage malposition
• Signs and symptoms of pinchoff syndrome
  How to determine if CVAD repair is feasible