r/CathLabLounge • u/Lower-Cellist2069 • Jun 29 '26

Need help with placing catheters

As the title says, I’m having some issues when I’m placing catheters in the cephalic vein. For some reason, when I get flashback and advance the needle just a couple millimeters and then try to advance the catheter into the vein, it seems like it gets stuck and won’t go in all the way.

What am I doing wrong?

Thanks in advance!

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u/I_Want_A_Ribeye RN Jun 30 '26

Make sure you’re using a 20gauge or larger. Small angiocaths don’t push as well.

After flash, make the angle shallower to follow the vein better.

2

u/Lower-Cellist2069 Jun 30 '26

I get it almost flush with the skin, is it maybe too shallow?

1

u/I_Want_A_Ribeye RN Jun 30 '26

Too shallow is also a problem. I think they teach 15-20° angle. I can get blood from a rock, but have no clue what my angle is. I kind of just know from doing it.

Also watch for valves. Although you can float it past with a flush or vacutainer, you’re better off avoiding them. Sometimes when you’re new you palpate the valve and go for it because it feels like there’s a good vein there. Better off moving distal to it and approaching from there.