Ambulatory Procedure Center

Catheter Insertion

What Is It?

Your doctor has requested a catheter to be inserted into a vein for long-term use. This catheter can be used for chemotherapy, drawing blood, dialysis, and long-term antibiotics.

How Do I Prepare?

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight on the night before your procedure.
• Any medication your doctor has told you to take may be taken with a small amount of water.
• If you are taking medication to thin your blood (e.g., Coumadin, Warfarin, Plavix, or aspirin), you should check with your doctor about stopping these medications before the procedure.
• You will be asked to have a blood test the day before or the day of the procedure.
• Be sure to arrange transportation. Someone must stay with you at the hospital until discharge and drive you home. Transportation will be verified before the procedure. You may use a taxi cab for your transportation only if you have a person accompanying you other than the taxi cab driver. Your procedure may be cancelled if these arrangements are not made.

What Happens During the Procedure?

• Consent is signed.
• You will be given medication to help you feel sleepy and relaxed and to minimize discomfort.
• Medication is injected to numb the area and minimize any discomfort.
• Ultrasound equipment is used to locate a vein in your neck or groin area and a small needle is inserted in the vein.
• A catheter is inserted into the vein and under the skin to help prevent infection.
• The procedure takes 30-45 minutes and recovery time is about 1-2 hours.