Tunneled catheters. Technologic advances and nursing care issues

Tunneled right atrial catheters have allowed more patients to benefit from intensive intravenous therapy regimens. The enthusiasm for increased therapeutic protocols and the benefit in quality of life for patients using these catheters must be tempered by a sincere respect for the many serious complications that can occur. Careful attention to aseptic technique and the use of a protocol to evaluate problems increase the benefits to the patient while decreasing the risk of serious complications.