What can you expect as you recover from central vascular access device (CVAD) placement?
When you are in the hospital, a health care team will take care of you and your CVAD.
Insertion and care of the CVAD
Your team will:
- Check the site and dressing regularly. How often this is done depends on the situation.
- Wash their hands before and after handling the CVAD.
- Clean or replace parts when needed.
Changing the dressing
The team will:
- Use clean and proper materials for the dressing, which covers the site.
- Clean the site and area whenever they change the dressing.
- Replace the dressing when it is damp, loose, or dirty. It will be changed regularly.
Home care
If you go home with a CVAD, the team will give you detailed instructions on how to care for it and what to do if any problems occur. In general:
- Always wash your hands before you touch it. Make sure anyone who touches it also washes their hands.
- Try to keep the skin at the exit site dry. This can help prevent infection. When you shower or bathe, cover the site with waterproof material, such as plastic wrap. Be sure you cover both the CVAD site and the cap(s).
- Fasten or tape the CVAD to your body to prevent it from pulling or dangling. Avoid bending or crimping it. And wear clothing that doesn't rub or pull on it.
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The content above contains general health information provided by Healthwise, Incorporated, and reviewed by its medical experts. This content should not replace the advice of your healthcare provider. Not all treatments or services described are offered as services by us. For recommended treatments, please consult your healthcare provider.