Vascular Access Device Care and Maintenance

A patient with a long-term VAD must be monitored weekly by a nurse specialist with expertise in the care of vascular access devices in order prevent infection and other complications.

Patient teaching is an important part of infusion nursing since generally a nurse will not be present in the home for each dose administration. Patients may be taught how to recognize signs and symptoms of complications and when it is important to call the nurse.

Help is always a phone call away and a nurse with expertise in VADs is available by telephone to triage complications and make a visit if necessary.