Can an indwelling needle automatically expel air?
Oct 10, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Chen Jingyu
Introduction
In general, indwelling needles cannot automatically expel air. An indwelling needle is an infusion device composed of several parts, including a soft catheter, a stainless steel needle core, and a plastic hub. It can remain in the blood vessel, reducing the number of venipunctures required. Indwelling needles help minimize pain caused by repeated venous punctures, reduce patients' fear and anxiety about needle insertion, and facilitate emergency medication administration.
Generally, an indwelling catheter cannot automatically expel air. The detailed explanation is as follows:
An indwelling catheter is an intravenous infusion device composed of several parts, including a soft catheter, a stainless steel needle core, and a plastic hub. It can remain in the blood vessel to reduce the frequency of venipuncture. The use of indwelling catheters helps minimize pain caused by repeated venous punctures, reduces patients' fear and anxiety about needle insertion, and facilitates emergency medication administration. An indwelling catheter can typically remain in place for about 7 days. However, if there is accidental movement or displacement of the catheter during this period, air may enter the catheter, potentially leading to air embolism. Since indwelling catheters lack an air expulsion mechanism, they are unable to automatically remove air.
It should be noted that small amounts of air entering the indwelling catheter usually do not cause adverse effects on the body. However, if air is observed within the catheter, it is recommended to promptly inform the doctor for appropriate management to avoid delaying treatment.
