groshong

iluvivt, BSN, RN · Oct 20, 2008

You did not make a mistake. A Groshong CVC has a special 2 way slit valve on the distal end. With positive pressure as in during an infusion or injection the valve opens outward,during withdrawal it opens inward and when not in use is in a neutral position. Because of this special valve Bard markets the catheter as needing Saline only flushes and when not in use needs only a weekly flush. The valve prevents reflux of blood into the catheter and diminishes occlusion problems r/t to blood. Now just b/c a manufacturer gives their flush recommendation does not mean a health care organization has to follow it. Many many health care organizations continue to use Heparin even on valved catheters for the benefit that Heparin provides. Hospitals tend to flush their CVCs anywhere from 3x a day to 1x per day and prn. Heparin will not harm this line. Groshong catheters are made of silicone,a very biocompatable and low thrombogenic catheter material. If the MD ordered it to be flushed that way you need to follow that order. if the order is different than a hospital protocol and is within the standard of care,the MD order should be followed. So the other nurse made an error not you. A lot of nurses have confusion around this issue. Please be aware that BARD also makes a PICC called the SOLO with a unique valve design in the tails of the line. There is also a tunnelled CVC and PICC called a PASV ( Pressure activated safety valve). The Pasv also has another type valve design in the tails of the catheter, These are also marketed as NS flush only OK

Just for fun Groshong is named after the MD who invented it Dr Groshong!!!