b. Site. Several sites may be chosen depending on the condition of the patient
and the fluid to be infused. Some suggested sites are listed below.
(1)
Basilic vein above the elbow.
(2)
Basilic vein below the elbow.
(3)
Saphenous vein above the ankle.
(4)
Cephalic vein below the elbow.
c. Procedure for the Cutdown.
(1)
Assemble the equipment and supplies.
(2)
Wash your hands.
(3)
Explain the procedure to the patient.
(4)
Prepare and stabilize the site.
(5)
Apply/inject a local anesthetic so the patient will not feel the incision.
(6) Make a transverse cut and dissect the tissue until the vein is visible (see
figure 3-7). Using a curved hemostat, gently spread the underlying tissue to fully
expose the vein.
Figure 3-7. Open incision for venous cutdown.
MD0564
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