Vapocoolant Sprays: Use With Totally Implanted Venous Access Devices

Vapocoolant sprays are used in some facilities to manage pain associated with accessing totally implanted venous access devices (TIVADs). They are neither indicated nor contraindicated, and literature supporting safe and effective use within this process is lacking. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the use of vapocoolant sprays within the TIVAD access process and to facilitate best practice accounting for product use and safety, institutional policy, and individual patient needs.

AT A GLANCE

• Although not considered drugs, vapocoolant sprays carry contraindications and adverse effects.
• Policies indicating application prior to chlorhexidine gluconate limit the usefulness of vapocoolant sprays that have an effect of less than one minute.
• Educating nurses on appropriate use, individual patient assessment, and critically evaluating institutional policies facilitates best practice use of vapocoolant sprays.