2. CENTRAL VENOUS CATHETER
also called a central line, is a long, thin,
flexible tube used to obtain blood products,
give medicines, fluids, nutrients, or blood
products over a long period of time, usually
several weeks or more.
A catheter placed into a
large vein in the neck,
chest or groin.
3. WHAT IS A CENTRAL VENOUS CATHETER USED
FOR?
Give long-term medicine treatment for pain,
infection, or cancer, or to supply nutrition.
Givemedicines that affect the heart, especially if a
quick response to the medicine is wanted
Give large amounts of blood or fluid quickly.
Take frequent blood samples without having to
"stick" someone with a needle.
To receive kidney dialysis if you have kidney
failure.
4. CAN COMPLICATIONS RESULT FROM THE USE OF A
CENTRAL VENOUS CATHETER?
Bleeding, caused by inserting the catheter into the
vein. But this is usually mild and will stop by itself.
Hemorrhage (bleeding) and formation of a
hematoma (bruise) is slightly more common in
jugular venous lines than in others.
Central-Line Associated Bloodstream Infections
(CLABSIs)
Blockage or kinking of the catheter. Regular flushing
of the catheter helps reduce blockage. A kinked
catheter must be repositioned or replaced.
5. Pain. You may experience pain at the place where the
catheter is inserted or where it lies under your skin.
Collapsed lung (pneumothorax). The risk of a
collapsed lung varies with the skill of the person
inserting the catheter and the site of placement. It is
most likely to happen during placement of a catheter
in the chest, although the risk is small.
Shifting of the catheter. A catheter that has moved out
of place can sometimes be repositioned. If
repositioning does not work, it must be replaced.
