venous cutdown

A small surgically created incision over a major blood vessel, usually a vein, to facilitate rapid and direct venous access

VENOUS CUTDOWNVENOUS CUTDOWN

venous cutdown

Surgical incision in a vein to place a catheter to permit intravenous administration of fluids or drugs. It is used in patients with vascular collapse when gaining percutaneous access to the circulation is difficult; however, this procedure is usually tried only when subclavian, jugular, or femoral access cannot be established. See: illustrationillustration