Central Venous Catheter Placement

Central venous catheter placement is a procedure in which a surgeon or specially trained radiologist places a central line directly into a large vein for purposes of administering medications or drawing blood. A central line is used rather than the usual intravenous (IV) catheter when access to the patient’s peripheral veins is particularly difficult and/or when the patient is expected to require the use of an IV for an extended period of time. The catheter is sewed into place with sterile sutures and carefully monitored for signs of infection while in use. Patients who are provided a central venous catheter are taught how to maintain it in terms of hygiene, cleaning procedures and things to watch out for as indications of a skin or blood infection. The line itself may be used to provide chemotherapy treatment, antibiotics, nourishment (as in a feeding tube), blood transfusions and dialysis, and access for frequent blood draws.