PICC
Our PICC and vascular access procedures are CDC and Joint Commission compliant, and can be completed in a wide variety of clinical settings. We adhere to evidenced-based practice standards outlined by IHI, CDC, Infusion Nurses Society and the Association of Vascular Access. This requires state-of-the-art ultrasound techniques and precise tip location with catheters manufactured by the market leaders in vascular access devices. Each PICC placed by Carolina Vascular Wellness incorporates maximal protective barriers and anti-bacterial technology, which when combined with proper care and maintenance, reduce or eliminate intraluminal thrombotic catheter occlusions and catheter-related bloodstream infections (CLABSI).
Peripheral Port
Similar to a PICC, a peripheral port is a small MRI compatible vascular access device implanted under a local anesthetic, beneath the skin of the upper arm. This low-profile port is perfect for active people receiving chemotherapy or other extended intravenous therapies. As an added benefit, patients receiving a peripheral port over traditionally placed chest ports, avoid the need for, and risks related to, general anesthesia. This means that where peripheral ports are placed, patients may eat and take medication up to the time of procedure, returning home awake and alert.
Midline
Midlines are perfect for simple, non-caustic IV infusions and therapies lasting three days to four weeks. Our midline insertions are performed using the same techniques and attention to detail used with our PICC and peripheral port insertions. Because midlines are not central lines, X-ray confirmation is not needed. A word of caution: midlines are meant for short-term IV use, and should never be confused with a PICC or central line. As with all extended peripheral IV's, staff education for midline care and maintenance is recommended.
RN Radiographic Confirmation
By utilizing Carolina Vascular Wellness, our skilled care and hospital clients reduce treatment time waiting for PICC radiology confirmation. Where applicable, CVW nurses undergo Board of Nursing approved training and maintain competency for radiographic PICC confirmation, expediting patient care with on-site tip confirmation for immediate use.
Ultrasound-Guided IV Insertion
Every PICC, Midline and Port insertion is performed under ultrasound guidance. Similarly, when appropriate, Carolina Vascular Wellness nurses provide ultrasound-guided IV insertion in all of our contract facilities. This high-tech procedure is perfect for those patients with a history of difficult, painful IV access, requiring only short term, non-vesicant intravenous therapies. By allowing visual confirmation of the vein for maximum accuracy, Ultrasound-guided IV insertion minimizes the physical and emotional trauma of multiple IV attempts.
Infusion Management
By utilizing Carolina Vascular Wellness, our patients may continue many of their normal activities throughout the course of therapy.
Infusions in affiliated clinics are administered by registered nurses specializing in infusion and chemotherapy management, and offer a specialized alternative for patients requiring first infusion care in a hospital setting. For independent patients and care givers, we offer support to ease the transition from hospitalization to self-administration of therapies in the home.
Professional Education
Carolina Vascular Wellness maintains professional educational courses with CEUs. For clinicians, we offer courses from one hour to one day, with additional bedside training available. Course topics include Early Vascular Access Assessment, Basic IV Skills, Advanced IV Skills, Port & Central Line Identification, Care & Maintenance, PICC & Midline Care & Maintenance, Port Access, Catheter Related Blood Stream Prevention, and an eight CEU Internal Jugular insertion course. Practitioners have the option of attending scheduled classes in our clinics, or scheduling classes on site.
Every Carolina Vascular Wellness educational course undergoes frequent review by a board of trained and experienced vascular access nurses, nurse practitioners, and physicians, ensuring up-to-date and relevant course content.
Patient Education
For our patients we provide hands-on, home-based education with take-home literature prior to discharge. These educational interactions give support to our patients, and make it possible for them to return home feeling confident and in control of their therapy. Areas covered include routine PICC, port and central line care, basic home medication administration, and simple troubleshooting tips. Live telephone support and assistance is available to our patients 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
