KJ is getting his Broviac line placed in his chest today, December 15, 2013. The line will be used for chemotherapy, IV medications, IV nutrition and obtaining blood samples.
What is a broviac line?
University of Michigan Pediatric Surgery defines BROVIAC catheters as similar to a PICC line. It allows a soft special type of rubber (silicone) IV catheter to be placed in your child without the need for repeated peripheral IV sticks. A BROVIAC catheter, however, is placed directly into a central vein, usually in the neck, upper chest or groin. The catheter proceeds to a position just above the heart. In general, a BROVIAC® catheter is tunneled under the skin and brought out on the chest or thigh away from the site where it enters the vein. Theoretically, this prevents bacteria from gaining access to the central portion of the catheter. Finally, BROVIAC® catheters contain a "cuff" which is buried under the skin. Your child's tissues will grow into this "cuff" and allow the catheter to become more stable, which will reduce the chance of it becoming pulled out.
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| Broviac catheter placement above the heart |
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| KJ in recovery |
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