Tunneled Central Venous Catheter Removal

POST-PROCEDURE ACTIVITY:

• Do not lift more than 5 lbs. and avoid any strenuous activity affecting the upper body such as pushing, pulling or straining for the next 48 hours. 

POST-PROCEDURE SITE CARE:

• Remove the bandage after 24 hours.  You may leave this open to air.  Do not use ointments, creams or powders on the puncture site or the exit site.

• You may shower after 24 hours.  

WHEN TO CALL THE DOCTOR :

• Bright red blood has soaked the bandage.

• You have signs of infection such as:

  • Chills, fever greater than 101⁰F

  • Increased redness, warmth or swelling at the catheter site

  • Red streaks leading from the area or pus draining from the area.

Call 911 for severe problems such as excessive bleeding, chest pain or shortness of breath.

For any of the above symptoms or for problems or concerns related to the procedure,  call 9 913-588-4846 for Monday-Friday 7-5.  After-hours and weekends, please call  913-588-5000 and ask for the Interventional Radiology Resident on-call.