Vascular access devices (VAD)
This page will provide our patients with more information on vascular access devices (VAD).
What is a vascular access device (VAD)?
A vascular access device is a line that is used to help give you your treatment. Treatment might include chemotherapy, antibiotics, and other drugs. Your line may also be used to take blood samples.
A VAD is a small silicone rubber tube which is inserted by the hospital lines team or specialist nurses. Common types of VADs are, PICC lines, cannulas, midlines, Hickman lines and Port-a-caths.
Risk of infection
There is an increased risk of infection whilst you have your line in for treatment. If you have any of the following signs or symptoms, contact the team caring for you. The nurse can explain more about how to check and what to look out for during your initial visit.
- Redness
- Tenderness
- Leakage
- Swelling
- Bleeding
- Temperature above 37.8
Risk of deep vein thrombosis
There is also an increased risk of a deep vein thrombosis (DVT) (a blood clot) whilst you have your line in for your treatment. If you experience any of the following symptoms, please call the team looking after your:
- arm ache
- arm pain on flushing line
- swelling around your line
- pain and numbness around your line
- redness at insertion site
- new jaw or shoulder pain*
- new headache*
- new shortness of breath*
*if severe, call 999
Contact information
Community intravenous antibiotic service (CIVAS): 0113 843 3960
Our service is open 8am to 7pm, 7 days a week.
If you have any concerns regarding your vascular access device within the service hours, please call us. If we don’t answer, leave a voicemail and we will aim to get back to you within working hours.
If you have any concerns regarding your vascular access device outside of our working hours, please call 111
Outpatient parenteral antimicrobial service (OPAT): 0113 206 6097
Preventing blood clots: Hand and arm exercises
Having a vascular access device (VAD), such as a PICC line or midline, can increase the risk of developing a blood clot in the arm (known as an upper limb DVT). To help reduce this risk, it is important to keep your arm moving regularly and gently.
Why exercise is important
Why exercise is important
Movement helps improve blood flow through the veins, which reduces the chance of blood pooling and forming clots. Gentle exercises can also help prevent stiffness and maintain function in the arm where your line is placed.
Hand grip exercises
Hand grip exercises
- Hold a marker pen, squeeze ball, or putty in your hand.
- Make a fist with your fingers and thumb and squeeze.
- Clench and unclench your hand 5 to 10 times.
- Repeat 3 sets (for example, 3 × 10 clenches).
- Perform 3 times a day.
Arm and elbow flexion exercises
Arm and elbow flexion exercises
- Stand or sit with your arm down the side of your body with the palm of your hand facing back.
- Bend your elbow up as far as you can while turning the palm of your hand to touch your shoulder.
- Lower your arm back into the original position.
- Do this 5 to 10 times.
- Repeat 3 sets (for example, 3 × 10 flexions).
- Perform 3 times per day.
