Clinical dilemmas: vascular access devices.

OBJECTIVES

To present an overview of clinical dilemmas regarding maintenance care and managing complications of vascular access devices (VADs).

DATA SOURCES

Current research and published literature.

CONCLUSION

The use of VADs has increased over the past three decades because they have proven to be an effective and convenient method of accessing the venous system. The difficulty of maintaining VADs during the course of treatment however, continues to be a challenge resulting in practice dilemmas.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE

Although VADs have been in use for more than 30 years, no universal standard of maintenance care exists. Research is still needed to establish evidence-based practice regarding the care and maintenance of VADs.