What is a chest catheter?

If you’re anything like me, you may have heard someone mention a chest catheter and thought to yourself, “What the heck is that? Something related to chests AND catheters? Sounds painful!” Fear not my fellow clueless humans, I am here to shed some light on this topic.

Let’s Start with the Basics

First things first, what exactly is a chest catheter? Well, it’s basically a tube inserted into your chest through which fluids or medications can be administered. Yes, sounds rather invasive doesn’t it?

Why would anyone need one of these?!

Great question! Here are some reasons why an individual might require a chest catheter:

  • To drain fluid from around the lungs
  • To administer chemotherapy medication
  • To deliver emergency resuscitation drugs directly to the heart (Uh…YIKES.)
  • As part of dialysis treatment for kidney disease (double yikes)
  • Not because they want one as an accessory item in their outfit

Types of Chest Catheters

There are generally two types: central lines and peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs).

Central Lines

Central lines are inserted into larger veins above or below the collarbone – this allows for things such as nutrients and medicines to flow smoothly throughout your body without having to go through multiple shots elsewhere. Remember when we said ‘invasive’ earlier?! Well yeah.. These babies go ALL The way down!!
And then there’s also something called “Portacaths” where once its surgically implanted under your skin you just access It with needles & Never touch it again. But let’s stick with whats inside today.

Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICC)

These bad boys however sit at tip top level – usually on fleek around our arms actually where they slide right into arm creases up towards our collars. This is the preferred method when a central line isn’t necessary but something more than simply injecting into your skin necessary, hospitals usually do these to avoid needlestick injuries in case of extreme contact.

How Is It Inserted?

Now that we’ve covered what and why let’s get on to how this thing works. Your doctor will usually use some type of imaging guidance (ultrasound or X-ray) to insert the catheter tip safely; if particularly lucky your physician may have had an adrenaline shot wink wink Who wouldn’t want someone with steady hands on any part of their body!

The Risks Involved

Like anything involving puncturing ones’ own outer layer/skin there are always risks to consider – regardless of whether you’re a dog catching fleas or getting a chest tube inserted. Well not every type applies.

Some common issues include:

  • Infection – Let’s hope doctors aren’t using rusty tubes!
  • Pneumothorax – AKA collapsed lung (Yikes city population: ME!)
  • Blockage
    Well that wasn’t too bad, right? Now you can answer “What is a Chest Catheter?” without breaking much sweat albeit being cautious before committing to one!

Stay safe folks!

Random Posts