InsuflonŽ Subcutaneous Catheter
What is an Insuflon® catheter?
This is a small soft tube placed into the fatty tissue (subcutaneous tissue) of the body. A needle is used to guide the tube during placement. Once in place, the needle is removed. The tube can be left in place for 3 to 7 days. This is dependent on the amount and type of drug being given through the tube.
Why is an Insuflon® catheter used?
Some children need to receive repeated shots of medicine into their subcutaneous tissue. Instead of having to get several pokes into the skin, this small soft tube can be placed into the fatty tissue of the body. Then, the injections that would normally be given through the skin can be placed into this tube instead. This is used to reduce the number of daily injections a patient may get. At least 75 injections can be made without pain through the small membrane to provide needed drugs.
How do I insert Insuflon®?
The nurse will show you how to prepare your work area so that the supplies stay sterile which is very important in preventing infection. The nurse will show you how to insert the Insuflon® catheter.
1. Prepare a clean work area.
2. Collect supplies.
- Insuflon® catheter: Check the package to make sure it is not damaged or out of date.
- Alcohol swab.
3. Wash hands with antibacterial soap.
4. Select insertion site.
- Outside of the arm
- Front of the leg
- Top of the buttocks
- Stomach: Be sure to place horizontally to avoid skin folds or lines of clothes.
5. Apply topical anesthetic, if desired.
6. Clean site with alcohol swab. Allow the site to dry for at least 2 minutes.
7. Open package.
8. Remove cap.
9. Insert catheter.
- Hold in one hand like a pen.
- Use your other hand to pinch the skin at the site of insertion.
- Use a smooth motion to insert Insuflon® as far as possible at a 30° - 45° angle.
10. Take out the guide needle. Be careful not to remove the tubing when removing the needle. Always hold the tubing hub firmly and pull the needle out slowly.
11. Use the sticky dressing in the kit to attach tubing to your child’s skin. Apply the dressing from the tubing end first. Be sure the insertion site is able to be seen.
12. Dispose of the needle into a sharps bucket.
Once inserted, how does it work?
Inject the drug.
1. Collect supplies.
- Needle must be between 27-31 gauge. It should not exceed 3/8 inch (8mm) in length. A longer needle could damage the tubing.
- Syringe
- Alcohol swab
2. Fill syringe with the drug. Do not give multiple drugs through a single Insuflon® without checking with your doctor first.
3. Insert syringe needle, with bevel down, into the Insuflon® hub. The needle must be in the hub by at least 1/8 of an inch and not more than 3/8 of an inch.
4. Inject the drug. Do this slowly to help reduce site pain.
5. Remove the needle.
NOTE: Check Insuflon® daily for skin breakdown or other problems.
When should I replace the catheter?
1. Change tubing every 3 to 5 days. Choose a site on the other side of your child’s stomach, buttocks, or other arm or leg.
2. Never leave tubing in place for more than 7 days.
3. Always be prepared to change the tubing. You will need to do this early if any skin breakdown or problems are noted. Signs to look for are
- Redness
- Pain
- Discomfort
- Swelling
- Kinked tubing
- Loose adhesive
- Catheter withdrawal where the tubing is starting to come out
4. Always place a new Insuflon® before taking out the old one. This helps to avoid contaminating the site. It also helps to ensure site rotation.
Can my child swim or take a bath with the Insuflon® catheter?
Yes, your child can join in most sports and swim with this device. Do not disturb the tubing when your child is in the shower or bath.
When should I contact my child’s health care provider?
- Any signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth, pus).
- Problems inserting the catheter.
- Problems giving the medicine.
References
IntraPump Infusion Systems. 920 Minters Chapel Road, Suite 200. Grapevine, Texas 76051.
The information provided should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed physician should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
Last Updated: 01/11/2011
Copyright © 01/11/2011 University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing. HF#6522
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