repair or replace it. Points to consider include the following:
- How much longer will central-line therapy continue? Catheter repair may be more appropriate if therapy will continue for a few days, whereas replacement is more appropriate for longer-term therapy.
- Are vessels available for a new insertion? Did the inserting clinician note that the catheter was inserted with much difficulty? Does the patient have a history of multiple catheter insertions?
- Is the catheter appropriate for exchange? Is there a chance of contamination or infection with this catheter or insertion site?
- Is repair feasible based on variables of catheter damage and exposure? What are the possible risks of contamination and infection?
- What are the manufacturer’s recommendations? Many catheters don’t come with repair kits. Depending on leakage or breakage location, repair may be impossible—for instance, with a double-lumen catheter that’s leaking below the bifurcation.
- If the catheter is visibly ruptured on the outside, is there a possibility it has ruptured on the inside? This can be determined only by X-ray or dye study.
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