Placement

  • Place catheter according to protocol, leaving 3cm of catheter external to the insertion site. SecurAcath requires 3cm of catheter shaft to attach to catheter.
  • Select appropriate size SecurAcath device to match catheter diameter. If the catheter is labeled with a half French size, use the closest smaller size SecurAcath, e.g. with 8.5F catheter, use 8F SecurAcath.
  • Fold the base downward until tips of feet come together.
  • Lift the catheter to visualize the insertion site.
  • Apply traction to the skin to help dilate the insertion site.
  • Use the tip of a dilator to stretch the skin opening if necessary.
  • The stiffening stylet may be left in the catheter until the SecurAcath is in place.
  • Hold folded base at an angle to skin surface aiming tips of feet at the insertion site.
  • Insert tips of feet into the insertion site and advance a few millimeters into subcutaneous tissue.
  • While folded, align base to desired dwell orientation.

  • Release base to allow it to open until flat.
  • Gently retract base to be sure there is some subcutaneous tissue between the feet and the dermis.

  • Use sterile gauze to remove blood, ultrasound gel or other fluids from catheter.
  • Be sure catheter and base are clean and dry.
  • Align catheter with groove in the
    base and press catheter into groove.

  • Place cover on base by pressing firmly at center and then edges while holding the base.
  • Check to be sure cover is fully attached to base. 
  • No gap should be visible between the cover and the base.

  • Release base to allow it to open until flat.
  • Gently retract base to be sure there is some subcutaneous tissue between the feet and the dermis.

  • When dressing is applied per hospital
    protocol, ensure: 
  • Not to apply stretch to the dressing
    upon application. 
  • Ensure the borders are completely
    contacting the skin and sealed.  
  • Be sure to stabilize catheter wings/
    hubs on vascular access catheters,
    or at least 2 cm of catheter body on
    drainage catheters under the dressing
    to prevent pulling or kinking of catheter
    distal to the SecurAcath.  

Removal

  • Lift the SecurAcath from the patient
  •  Grip the HOLD tab with thumb and finger of one hand to stabilize the wings of the SecurAcath

  • Pry upward at the edge of LIFT tab with the other hand to release cover from base (Like opening a can of soda).
  • Avoid twisting the base while removing the cover. Twisting moves the feet below the skin and will be uncomfortable for your patient.

  • Remove the catheter – do not use excessive force
  • Hold pressure at site to achieve hemostasis

Split Option

  • Use a blunt tip scissors to cut base completely in half lengthwise along the blue groove, while holding the wings steady.
  • Twisting will lead to discomfort so a confident steady cut is important.

  • Apply firm pressure at the insertion site with one hand
  • The flexible securement feet are shaped like an “L” with the feet extending 5mm to each side of the insertion site

  • Turn blue edge upward and use a swift, deliberate upward motion to remove each foot separately following the shape of the foot while holding traction on the skin near the insertion site

OPTIONAL:
  • If you meet excessive resistance, hold firm pressure over the foot with one finger at insertion site.
  • Pull the foot against the pressure of your finger to straighten the flexible foot as you pull past the resistance.
  • The nitinol foot is designed to flex out of the site without tissue damage.

Fold Option

  • Apply firm pressure at the insertion site to keep tissue still
  • Fold wings downward to bring feet together under the skin

  • Hold folded base horizontal to skin
  • Use swift, deliberate upward motion to remove following the shape of the feet

24 Hour Clinical Information Line: U.S. 800-225-0000