Woggle

Woggle released

Woggle tightened

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About the woggle

A “Woggle“ is used to secure the skin over a large-bore venous access site after the sheath is removed. Consisting of a purse-string suture in the skin and a tension device, it provides enough pressure to keep the site from bleeding while allowing the physician to check the site periodically without having to cut and tie a knot.

If a patient comes to your unit with a woggle in place, be aware it is not a sheath!

• It does not penetrate the skin
• If you release it prematurely, you will most likely have an immediate bleeding situation on your hands.
• It does not have to be dressed, but it is best to secure it from being pulled.
• It should be left in place no more than 24 hours. Please contact procedure physician!

The procedure physician is aware of the woggle, and will deal with it personally. Under certain circumstances, a nurse may be directed to remove the woggle.

Removing a woggle

Removal of the woggle is straightforward:

1. Open the stopcock
2. Release the tension on the suture
3. Observe for bleeding for 5-10 minutes
4. Disinfect the skin and suture (Chlorohexidine/Betadine)
5. If there is no bleeding, remove the tension device
6. Gently pull suture from skin

• If bleeding occurs re-tension the suture, lock the stopcock, and inform the physician.