Infiltration and extravasation are complications that can occur during intravenous therapy administered via either peripheral or central venous access devices. If the infiltration is severe, apply warm compresses, elevate the arm, monitor the site and be sure to inform the healthcare provider. Infiltration and extravasation are two types of complications that can happen after intravenous therapy. Infiltration – if the fluid is a non-vesicant (does not irritate tissue), it is called an infiltration. Extravasation vs. Infiltration, and Vesicant Agents: Understanding the Particulars Involved to Avoid Coding Inaccuracies By Susan Gatehouse, RHIT, CCS,CPC, AHIMA-Approved ICD-10-CM/PCS Trainer Original story posted on: February 24, 2020 It is important for coders and all healthcare professionals to know the difference, and why it matters. Immediate emergency management of suspected vesicant extravasation must be performed to minimize tissue damage. Consequences range from local irritation to amputation. If an extravasation occurs, it means that an accidental infiltration of a vesicant or chemotherapeutic drug into the surrounding IV site has occurred. Both infiltration and extravasation can have serious consequences: the patient may need surgical intervention resulting in large scars, experience limitation of function, or even require amputation. Extravasation is much more severe than infiltration due to vesicant agents within an IV solution. Infiltration and extravasation are risks of intra-venous administration therapy involving unintend-ed leakage of solution into the surrounding tissue. Although infiltration and extravasation are more likely to occur with peripheral I.V. Extravasation: The unintentional leakage of vesicant intravenous fluids or medication into the perivascular, subcutaneous tissue or interstitial space which is capable of causing pain, necrosis and/or sloughing of tissue. Vesicants can cause tissue destruction, a blister or both. If an extravasation occurs, it means that an accidental infiltration of a vesicant or chemotherapeutic drug into the surrounding IV site has occurred. Both are caused when the vein leaks or the IV catheter comes out of the vein; however, extravasation is far more severe. Mar 12, 2018 | Blog, News & Discussions, Parents. infiltration | extravasation | As nouns the difference between infiltration and extravasation is that infiltration is the act or process of infiltrating, as of water into a porous substance, or of a fluid into the cells of an organ or part of the body while extravasation is the exudation of blood, lymph or urine from a vessel into the tissues. The Causes of IV Infiltration and Extravasation Explained. The effects are sometimes devastating because of the volume involved and because these devices are more likely to be delivering vesicant medications. When infiltration or extravasation occurs, the nurse who inserted the catheter rarely knows about loss of function, surgical procedures, amputation, and CRPS, unless a lawsuit is filed. Irritants can result in pain at the IV site and along the vein and may or may not cause inflammation. infusions, these complications can develop with central venous catheters and implanted infusion ports as well. Again, the essential difference between infiltration and extravasation is the type of medicine or fluid that is leaked. Both can result in problems with the siting of future venous access devices, nerve damage, infection and tissue necrosis. The difference between an infiltration and extravasation is the type of medicine or fluid that is leaked. Vesicants can cause tissue destruction, a blister or both. Extravasation – if the fluid is a vesicant (a fluid that irritates tissue), it is called an extravasation. By Ryan MacArthur | When receiving intravenous (IV) fluids or medications via a peripheral IV, it’s important to keep an eye out for common complications like IV infiltration or extravasation. Infiltration is the inadvertent administration of a non-vesicant medication into the surrounding tissues while extravasation is the inadvertent administration of vesicant medication into the surrounding tissues.

Doctors often use infiltration and extravasation interchangeably. An extravasation occurs when there is accidental infiltration of a vesicant or chemotherapeutic drug into the surrounding IV site. Infiltration The incidence of infiltration and extravasation is hard to determine because of limited reporting.