Apheresis Therapy

Information on Central Lines Used for Apheresis

A central venous catheter has been placed for your apheresis treatments. A central venous catheter is a slender, hollow, and flexible tube that is inserted beneath the skin through a large vein to access your blood. It is called a central line.

This type of catheter has at least 2 lumens that have separate caps. One lumen is used to remove the blood from your body, and the other lumen is used to return the blood to your body after it is treated in the apheresis machine.

The apheresis catheter may also be used to deliver fluids, medications, and blood products without having to use a peripheral IV. It can also be used to collect blood samples.

Catheter Removal and Aftercare

After your apheresis treatment is complete, your central venous catheter will be removed by one of the Apheresis Nurses. Following removal, it is important to care for the catheter site properly to promote healing and reduce the risk of bleeding or infection.

• A pressure dressing will be applied to the catheter removal site. Keep the pressure dressing clean, dry, and in place for 24 hours.
• Do not remove the dressing unless instructed by your healthcare team.
• Avoid getting the dressing wet. You may shower after the pressure dressing has been removed, but avoid soaking the site in a bath or swimming pool until the skin has completely healed (usually 5–7 days).
• Avoid strenuous exercise, heavy lifting (greater than 5 kg), or activities that may place strain on the catheter site for 24 hours after catheter removal.
• A small amount of bruising, tenderness, or mild discomfort around the site is normal and should improve over the next few days.
• Once the pressure dressing has been removed, keep the site clean and dry. A small adhesive bandage may be used if there is any minor drainage.
• Do not apply creams, lotions, powders, or ointments to the catheter site unless instructed by your healthcare team.

Contact your healthcare team immediately if you notice any of the following:

• Bleeding that does not stop after applying firm pressure for 10–15 minutes.
• Increasing redness, swelling, warmth, or pain around the catheter site.
• Pus or foul-smelling drainage from the site.
• Fever (38°C or higher) or chills.
• The wound opens or continues to leak fluid after 24 hours.

Most catheter sites heal completely within one week. If you notice any signs of infection or any other problems with the catheter site, please contact the Oncology Contact Center from Monday to Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, by calling 800 8 223 and selecting extension 0, or present to the Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi Emergency Department if you require urgent medical attention.