Page 1 of 25 DESCRIPTION/OVERVIEW The purpose of this ...

ATTACHMENT B: REMOVAL OF A LONG ARM CATHETER (LAC)
1. LAC's are removed by a LAC-qualified Registered Nurse when the patient no longer requires
the catheter, the duration of recommended use is met, or a complication occurs. A
physician's order must be obtained to remove a LAC.
2. Explain the procedure to the patient/family.
3. Wash hands and don clean gloves.
4. Soak hypafix tape and dressing edges with alcohol to loosen dressing. Remove the dressing
after it is loosened. Cleanse the site with chlorhexidine swabsticks to remove debris and skin
prep.
5. Remove the catheter with a steady, gentle, hand-over-hand technique. Withdraw catheter
approximately four inches at a time. Avoid rapid, jerky movements as they may cause
venospasm. Note the length at which the catheter is cut. Prepare catheter tip for culture in
the event that a culture is required.
6. If resistance is met, do not tug or pull forcefully. Excessive tension may rupture the catheter.
Attempt to remedy this eventuality by applying warm, moist heat to the upper arm for fifteen
to twenty minutes. In the meantime, secure the catheter with tape in an extended position. If
venospasm is the suspected cause, an extended period of warm packs or straightened tape
tension may be required.
7. Apply pressure to the site until bleeding stops. Affix a dressing until signs of healing (scab)
occurs.
Document all interventions utilized, the catheter length removed, complications, patient
toleration of procedure, and whether or not the tip was sent for culture.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Title: Venous Access Device
Owner: Clinical Education Department
Effective Date: 07/27/05
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