IV Catheters

Henry Schein online medical store features over 300 IV catheters from manufacturers like B. Braun Medical Inc., Becton-Dickinson, Smiths Medical ASD, Terumo Corp, and Nipro. When you need to purchase medical IV catheters and other PICC supplies, look to Henry Schein Medical. We provide a large selection of products at competitive prices.

IV Catheter Inventory

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Types of IV Catheters

When selecting IV catheters for your practice, it’s crucial to understand the various types available to ensure the best fit for your patients' needs. Our comprehensive range of IV catheters is designed to meet the highest standards of safety, efficiency, and patient comfort. Here’s an overview of the different types of IV catheters we offer:

Peripheral IV Catheters

Peripheral IV catheters are the most commonly used type, ideal for short-term therapy.

• Short Peripheral Catheters: Suitable for short-duration infusions, typically up to 72 hours.
• Gauge Range: 14G to 24G
• Common Uses: Fluid administration, blood transfusions, and medication delivery.
• Midline Catheters: Longer than short peripheral catheters, these are used for therapies lasting 1 to 4 weeks.
• Gauge Range: 18G to 22G
• Common Uses: Extended antibiotic therapy, hydration, and pain management.

Central IV Catheters

Central IV catheters are used for long-term therapy and for patients requiring multiple infusions.

• Peripherally Inserted Central Catheters (PICCs): Inserted through a peripheral vein and advanced to the central veins.
• Length: 40 to 60 cm
• Common Uses: Long-term antibiotics, chemotherapy, and total parenteral nutrition (TPN).
• Tunneled Central Venous Catheters: Inserted into a central vein and tunneled under the skin.
• Common Uses: Long-term infusion therapies, dialysis, and frequent blood sampling.
• Non-tunneled Central Venous Catheters: Inserted directly into a central vein.
• Common Uses: Emergency situations, short-term intensive therapy, and central venous pressure monitoring.
• Implantable Ports: Surgically implanted under the skin for long-term use.
• Common Uses: Long-term chemotherapy, frequent blood draws, and long-term medication administration.

Specialty IV Catheters

Designed for specific clinical situations and patient needs.

• Closed System Catheters: Incorporate a valve mechanism to reduce the risk of infection and blood exposure.
• Benefits: Enhanced safety, reduced risk of bloodstream infections.
• Arterial Catheters: Used for continuous blood pressure monitoring and frequent arterial blood gas sampling.
• Common Uses: Critical care settings, major surgeries, and intensive monitoring.

Safety Features and Innovations

Our IV catheters come equipped with advanced safety features to ensure optimal performance and patient safety.

• Needle-free Systems: Reduce the risk of needlestick injuries.
• Integrated Extension Sets: Allow for easier access and management.
• Antimicrobial Coatings: Help prevent catheter-related infections.

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IV Catheter Purchasing Guide

Choosing the right IV catheters for your practice is critical for ensuring patient safety, comfort, and effective treatment outcomes. Here are key factors to consider when purchasing IV catheters to help you make informed decisions:

Patient Population and Treatment Needs

• Patient Demographics: Consider the age, size, and health condition of your patients. Pediatric patients may require smaller gauges, while adults may need larger ones.
• Types of Therapies: Determine the common treatments and medications administered. For example, chemotherapy might require central catheters, while short-term hydration can be managed with peripheral catheters.

Types of IV Catheters

• Peripheral IV Catheters: Ideal for short-term use and easy to insert. Suitable for most routine intravenous therapies.
• Central IV Catheters: Necessary for long-term treatments, multiple infusions, or when high-osmolarity solutions are required. Options include PICCs, tunneled catheters, and implantable ports.
• Specialty Catheters: Closed system catheters, arterial catheters, and those with antimicrobial coatings may be needed based on specific clinical requirements.

Gauge and Length

• Gauge Size: The catheter’s diameter affects flow rate and suitability for different types of fluids and medications. Common gauges range from 14G to 24G.
• Length: The catheter’s length should match the vein’s depth and the therapy duration. Short catheters for brief treatments, longer ones for extended therapies.

Safety Features

• Needle Safety: Look for catheters with built-in needle safety mechanisms to prevent needlestick injuries.
• Closed Systems: These can minimize the risk of bloodstream infections and improve overall safety.
• Radiopaque Markings: Enable better visualization under imaging, useful for accurate placement and monitoring.

Ease of Use

• Insertion Technique: Catheters that are easy to insert can reduce procedure time and patient discomfort. Consider catheters with ergonomic designs.
• Securement: Ensure catheters come with securement devices or are compatible with securement dressings to prevent dislodgement.
• Compatibility with Accessories: Ensure compatibility with IV pumps, extension sets, and needle-free connectors.

Infection Control

• Antimicrobial Coatings: Some catheters come with antimicrobial or antiseptic coatings to reduce infection risk.
• Sterilization and Packaging: Ensure the catheters are sterile and come in tamper-evident packaging to maintain sterility until use.

 

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Common Patient Questions About IV Catheters

As a medical professional, being prepared to answer patient questions about IV catheters is crucial for fostering trust and ensuring patient comfort. Here are some common questions patients may ask, along with suggested answers to help you provide clear and reassuring information:

What is an IV catheter?

An IV (intravenous) catheter is a small, flexible tube inserted into a vein, usually in the hand or arm, to deliver medications, fluids, or nutrients directly into the bloodstream.

Why do I need an IV catheter?

Patients may need an IV catheter for various reasons, including:

• Administration of medications or fluids that cannot be taken orally.
• Blood transfusions.
• Providing nutrition (total parenteral nutrition, TPN) when you cannot eat or drink.
• Monitoring central venous pressure in critical care settings.

How is an IV catheter inserted?

The insertion process typically involves:

• Cleaning the insertion site with an antiseptic solution.
• Using a small needle to insert the catheter into the vein.
• Once the catheter is in place, the needle is removed, and the catheter is secured with tape or a dressing.

How long will the IV catheter stay in place?

The duration depends on the type of catheter and the treatment required:

• Peripheral IV catheters are usually used for short-term needs and are typically replaced every 72 hours.
• Central IV catheters, such as PICCs or tunneled catheters, can remain in place for weeks to months, depending on the therapy duration and condition of the catheter.

How do I care for my IV catheter?

Proper care is essential to prevent infections and complications:

• Keep the insertion site clean and dry.
• Avoid tugging or pulling on the catheter.
• Report any signs of infection (redness, swelling, pain) or catheter malfunction to your healthcare provider immediately.

What are the risks associated with IV catheters?

While IV catheters are generally safe, some potential risks include:

• Infection at the insertion site.
• Phlebitis (inflammation of the vein).
• Infiltration (fluid leakage into surrounding tissue).
• Air embolism (air bubbles entering the bloodstream), particularly with central IV catheters.