July 5, 2024 | Medical Malpractice
Even if you know next to nothing about medicine, you’re almost certainly familiar with intravenous therapy — better known simply as the IV. Whether you’re having surgery, receiving antibiotics, or just getting some extra fluids, IVs are commonplace in the medical world.
Most of the time, IV treatment happens without incident. But, in some cases, serious complications can occur, leading to medical malpractice claims.
What Is IV Infiltration?
IV infiltration happens when some of the IV fluid leaks into the tissue surrounding your vein (instead of into the vein itself).
Infiltration can be caused by a few different things:
- The IV catheter being bumped out of place
- The IV puncturing your vein
- The IV not being properly secured
- Your veins becoming unusually porous (this sometimes happens with serious inflammation)
Even if an IV infiltration happens with something as benign as saline solution, there’s still the potential for serious complications. But when infiltration happens with vesicant drugs, the effects can be even more dire.
If vesicant drugs leak out of the IV, they can cause the tissues surrounding your vein to burn, blister, or even die. When these drugs reach the surrounding tissue, it’s called “IV extravasation.”
What Happens With IV Infiltration and Extravasation?
Some cases of IV infiltration are very minor, but others can be life-altering. These are a few of the potential symptoms:
Localized Pain and Swelling
This might seem like a minor symptom, but it can sometimes be the start of something more serious. You might feel pain near the IV and notice the skin around it looking swollen or puffy. Sometimes, the skin around the IV might look white (this is called “blanching”) or red.
Compartment Syndrome and Nerve Injury
Some IV complications result in permanent injury to your nerves. Many of these injuries are the result of something called “compartment syndrome.”
The tissue in parts of your arms and legs divides your limbs into separate compartments. If the IV fluid leaks into one of these spaces, the surrounding bands of tissue trap it inside. The fluid causes a buildup of pressure that can cause severe pain and nerve damage.
If compartment syndrome is treated quickly, you may be able to avoid long-lasting consequences. In many cases, patients who experience this complication need emergency surgery.
Tissue Burns and Necrosis
If your IV is filled with a vesicant drug, a fluid leak can be very serious. These drugs can cause serious burns. Some of them kill cells in the surrounding tissues, causing tissue death.
Amputation
In severe cases of compartment syndrome or tissue necrosis, amputation may be required to save your life. Fortunately, IV complications rarely become this severe.
What Are Some Other Potential IV Complications?
Infiltration and extravasation are serious, but there are some other complications and potential medical errors to be aware of:
- Infection: Bacteria from your skin can enter the injection site and cause a local or systemic infection
- Air Embolism: If an air bubble enters your IV line, it can cause a stroke, brain damage, and even death
- Hematoma: This is when blood from your vein leaks into the surrounding tissue
Bear in mind that IVs are usually safe. However, no medical procedure is without risk.
How Do I Recover From IV Infiltration and Other Complications?
IV complications can vary drastically in terms of severity. If you have a very mild case of infiltration, it might resolve with a cold compress and elevation. But in severe cases, you may need care from a specialist.
In any case, it’s wise to understand some of the signs and symptoms of complications. Early treatment and intervention can minimize your risk of serious or permanent symptoms.
Contact Our Medical Malpractice Law Firm in Kentucky Today To Get More Information
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Lexington or Bowling Green, please contact our medical malpractice at Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC for a free case evaluation.
Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC – Lexington, KY Office
325 W Main St #210, Lexington, KY 40507
(859) 550-2900
Minner Vines Injury Lawyers, PLLC -Bowling Green, KY Office
814 State St. suite 100, Bowling Green, KY, 42101
(270) 517-2014