Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) is a procedure in which a bronchoscope is passed through the mouth or nose into the lungs to obtain cells and other components from bronchial and alveolar spaces for diagnostic purposes. It is performed to diagnose various lung diseases including infections and malignancies. Bronchoalveolar lavage is a diagnostic procedure similar to flexible […]
Procedures
Penile Biopsy – Indications and Procedure
Penile biopsy is a procedure where tissue is removed surgically to study for histopathological diagnosis. Penile biopsy is used to diagnose cancers of the penis and other benign lesions as well. The technique used may vary with the size and location of the lesion [ for example punch biopsy or incisional/excisional biopsy.] [Read more on […]
Dorsal Penile Nerve Block – Indications and Procedure
Dorsal penile nerve block is used for providing local anesthesia to penis. Penile local anesthesia is used in various procedures like release of paraphimosis, dorsal slit of the foreskin, circumcision and repair of penile lacerations. Just to mention, the ring penile block is different and usesse a 27-gauge needle to circumferentially infiltrate local anesthetic around the […]
Intravenous Cannulation – Indications and Procedure
Intravenous cannulation is a technique in which a cannula is placed inside a vein to provide venous access for the sampling of blood, as well as administration of fluids and other things. Intravenous is most commonly used venous access device. Indications of Intravenous Cannulation Indications for intravenous cannulation include the following – Repeated blood sampling […]
Umbilical Vein Catheter – Indications and Procedure
Umbilical vein Catheter is used for vascular access and resuscitation in neonates. After birth, umbilical vein remains patent and can be cannulated up to 1 week. Umbilical vein catheter is used when it is not possible to use peripheral access or intraosseous access, which may be preferred. Indications of Umbilical Vein Catheter Vascular access during […]
Umbilical Artery Catheter – Indications and Procedure
Umbilical artery catheter insertion is a common procedure used in intensive care of neonates. It is considered the standard of care for arterial access in neonates. The umbilical artery can be used for arterial access during the first 5-7 days of life [rarely beyond 7-10 days.] It allows direct access to the arterial blood supply […]
Seldinger Technique – Procedure and Uses
The Seldinger technique is the most common method used for insertion of a central intravenous (IV) line. Central venous catheters or lines are placed in the following locations: Internal jugular vein Subclavian vein Femoral vein The peripheral vein in PICC Seldinger technique, however, is not restricted to central venous line placement. It is also commonly […]
Intraossoeus Vascular Access – Indications, Sites and Procedure
Intraosseous vascular access is the use of intraosseous needle placement to access the venous circulation via venous sinusoids in the bone. Intraosseous access was first introduced by Drinker in 1922. After IV catheters were discovered, this method was abandoned until the 1980s, when it was reintroduced as a method of fast resuscitation. Earlier, the intraosseous […]
Central Venous Catheter – Types, Uses and Complications
A central venous catheter or central venous line is a temporary catheter placed into a large vein, with an intention to keep it for the required period and administer drugs, blood products, and other fluids and as well as to draw blood for investigation. Insertion of a central venous catheter in a human was first […]
Venous Cutdown – Indications and Procedure
The venous cutdown is a procedure where a vein is surgically exposed to establish a vascular access by inserting a cannula or catheter. It is mostly done in an emergency when there is no peripheral vein is available for putting a cannula for vascular access or in cases of trauma and hypovolemic shock patients when […]