Which of the following is an example of an external tunneled catheter?

Which of the following is an example of an external tunneled catheter?

• A. Port-a-cath
• B. Hickman-Broviac
• C. PICC line
• D. Central venous catheter

Answer: (B)

The Hickman-Broviac catheter is an example of an external tunneled catheter. This type of catheter is specifically designed for long-term access and is typically used in patients requiring frequent blood draws, medications, or nutrition, and to avoid the need for repeated venipunctures. The Hickman-Broviac catheter is inserted through the skin and tunneled subcutaneously before entering a large vein, which helps to reduce the risk of infection. This tunneling also provides a more stable and secure placement compared to non-tunneled catheters. In contrast, options such as the Port-a-cath, while also used for long-term access, are completely implanted under the skin, making them different from tunneled catheters. The PICC line is a peripherally inserted central catheter that is typically not tunneled and is designed for shorter-term use. A standard central venous catheter may be either tunneled or non-tunneled, but without further specification, it doesn’t indicate an external tunneled design like the Hickman-Broviac. Thus, the Hickman-Broviac stands out as the appropriate example of an external tunneled catheter in this context.

The Hickman-Broviac catheter is an example of an external tunneled catheter. This type of catheter is specifically designed for long-term access and is typically used in patients requiring frequent blood draws, medications, or nutrition, and to avoid the need for repeated venipunctures.

The Hickman-Broviac catheter is inserted through the skin and tunneled subcutaneously before entering a large vein, which helps to reduce the risk of infection. This tunneling also provides a more stable and secure placement compared to non-tunneled catheters.

In contrast, options such as the Port-a-cath, while also used for long-term access, are completely implanted under the skin, making them different from tunneled catheters. The PICC line is a peripherally inserted central catheter that is typically not tunneled and is designed for shorter-term use. A standard central venous catheter may be either tunneled or non-tunneled, but without further specification, it doesn’t indicate an external tunneled design like the Hickman-Broviac. Thus, the Hickman-Broviac stands out as the appropriate example of an external tunneled catheter in this context.