How to Place a Central Line in the Jugular Vein of a Cat

Below is a list of essential equipment required:

• 5.5 French Miele central line catheter
• Suture kit
• Sterile drapes
• Guide wire
• Dilator
• Sterile gloves and tray

Step-by-step procedure:

1. Preparation:
   Open the central line catheter (5.5 French Miele catheter). Prepare the following tools in order of use: suture kit, guide wire, dilator, and catheter. Ensure the sterile field is maintained throughout the procedure.

2. Locating the jugular vein:
   Have an assistant gently raise the jugular vein without contaminating the sterile area. Once the vein is clearly positioned, place sterile drapes around the area to create a sterile working field.

3. Catheter placement:
   Using the catheter, make an incision into the jugular vein and carefully introduce the catheter into the vein. Hold the skin taut to stabilise the vein and provide clear access.

4. Guide wire insertion:
   Attach the guide wire to the catheter and thread it carefully through the catheter into the vein. Continuously monitor the guide wire’s placement to ensure it is securely inserted without entering too deeply into the patient. Always hold onto the guide wire to prevent accidental loss inside the patient.

5. Dilator insertion:
   Apply gentle pressure on the jugular vein while removing the catheter, leaving the guide wire in place. Insert the dilator over the guide wire to enlarge the jugular vein’s entry point. Apply pressure to prevent bleeding during this process. Once the vein is sufficiently dilated, remove the dilator.

6. Final catheter insertion:
   Carefully insert the catheter over the guide wire into the jugular vein. Ensure the guide wire is always securely held and protruding from the brown port during catheter insertion.

8. Guide wire removal:
   After the catheter is positioned correctly, remove the guide wire while keeping the catheter in place. This step must be done slowly and with control to prevent the catheter from moving.
9. Securing the catheter:
   Close the catheter’s port and secure it by suturing the catheter in place to prevent dislodgment during patient recovery.