HF 6522

Insuflon® Subcutaneous Catheter

What is an Insuflon® catheter?

This is a small soft tube placed into the fatty tissue (subcutaneous tissue) of the skin. A needle is used to guide the tube during placement. Once in place, the needle is removed. The tube can be left in place for 3 to 7 days. The number of days depends on the amount and type of drug being given through the tube.

Why is an Insuflon® catheter used?

Some children need to receive repeated shots of medicine into their subcutaneous tissue. Instead of having to get several pokes into the skin, this small soft tube can be placed. The injections can be placed into this tube instead. At least 75 injections can be made through the small membrane to provide needed drugs without causing pain. 

How do I insert the Insuflon® catheter? 

The nurse will show you how to prepare your work area so that the supplies stay sterile which is very important to prevent infection. The nurse will show you how to insert the Insuflon® catheter.

Steps to Insert Insuflon® Catheter

  1. Prepare a clean work area.

  2. Collect supplies.

  • Insuflon® catheter: Check the package to make sure it is not damaged or out of date.

  • Alcohol swab.

  1. Wash hands with antibacterial soap.

  2. Select insertion site. 

  • Outside of the arm

  • Front of the leg

  • Top of the buttocks

  • Stomach: Be sure to place horizontally to avoid skin folds or lines of clothes.

  1. Apply numbing medicine, if desired.

  2. Clean site with alcohol swab. Allow the site to dry for at least 2 minutes.

  3. Open package. 

  4. Remove cap.

  5. Insert catheter.

  • Hold in one hand like a pen. 

  • Use your other hand to pinch the skin at the site of insertion.

  • Use a smooth motion to insert Insuflon® as far in as you can at a 30°-45° angle.

  1. Take out the guide needle. Be careful not to remove the tubing when taking out the needle. Always hold the tubing hub firmly and pull the needle out slowly. 

  2. Use the sticky dressing in the kit to attach tubing to your child’s skin. Apply the dressing from the tubing end first. Be sure you can see the insertion site. 

  3. Dispose of the needle into a sharps bucket.

How do I inject medicine through the Insuflon® catheter?

  1. Collect supplies.

  • Needle must be between 27-31 gauge. It should not be longer than 3/8th inch (8mm). A longer needle could damage the tubing.

  • Syringe

  • Alcohol swab

  1. Fill syringe with the drug. Do not give more than one drug through a single Insuflon® without checking with your doctor first.

  2. Clean hub with alcohol swab. Allow to dry.

  3. Insert syringe needle, with bevel down, into the Insuflon® hub. The needle must be in the hub by at least 1/8th of an inch and not more than 3/8 of an inch.

  4. Inject the drug slowly to help reduce site pain.

  5. Remove the needle.

Note: Check Insuflon® daily for skin breakdown or other problems. 

When should I replace the catheter?

Change every 3 to 5 days. Choose a site on the other side of your child’s stomach, buttocks, or other arm or leg.

Never leave in place for more than 7 days.

Always be prepared to change the catheter. You will need to do this early if you notice any skin breakdown or problems. Signs to look for are

  • Redness

  • Pain

  • Discomfort

  • Swelling

  • Kinked tubing

  • Loose adhesive

  • Catheter tubing is starting to come out.

Always place a new Insuflon® before taking out the old one. This helps to avoid contaminating the site. It also helps to ensure site rotation.

Can my child swim or take a bath with the Insuflon® catheter?

Yes, your child can join in most sports and swim with this device. Do not disturb the tubing when your child is in the shower or bath. 

When to Call

  • Any signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth, pus).

  • Problems inserting the catheter.

  • Problems giving medicine.