Which CVAD type is most appropriate for use in long-term treatment?

Which CVAD type is most appropriate for use in long-term treatment?

• A. Non-tunneled catheters
• B. External tunneled catheters
• C. Peripheral IV lines
• D. Swan Ganz catheters

Answer: (B)

The most appropriate type of central venous access device (CVAD) for long-term treatment is the external tunneled catheter. These catheters are specifically designed for prolonged use, often remaining in place for weeks to months or even years, making them suitable for patients requiring ongoing therapies such as chemotherapy, long-term antibiotic treatment, or total parenteral nutrition. External tunneled catheters are positioned under the skin and connect to a long, flexible tube that ends in a larger vein. This subcutaneous tunneling reduces the risk of infection compared to non-tunneled catheters, which are generally used for short-term access due to their higher risk of complications and potential for infection. Peripheral IV lines are not suitable for long-term treatment as they are usually limited to short-term use, providing access for only a few days at most. Swan-Ganz catheters are primarily used for hemodynamic monitoring rather than for long-term access or therapy, as they are designed for specific medical assessments and stay in the body for a limited duration. The design and intended use of external tunneled catheters make them the ideal option for long-term central venous access.

The most appropriate type of central venous access device (CVAD) for long-term treatment is the external tunneled catheter. These catheters are specifically designed for prolonged use, often remaining in place for weeks to months or even years, making them suitable for patients requiring ongoing therapies such as chemotherapy, long-term antibiotic treatment, or total parenteral nutrition.

External tunneled catheters are positioned under the skin and connect to a long, flexible tube that ends in a larger vein. This subcutaneous tunneling reduces the risk of infection compared to non-tunneled catheters, which are generally used for short-term access due to their higher risk of complications and potential for infection.

Peripheral IV lines are not suitable for long-term treatment as they are usually limited to short-term use, providing access for only a few days at most. Swan-Ganz catheters are primarily used for hemodynamic monitoring rather than for long-term access or therapy, as they are designed for specific medical assessments and stay in the body for a limited duration.

The design and intended use of external tunneled catheters make them the ideal option for long-term central venous access.