Central Venous Catheter Is A Long, Thin Tube That Enters One Or More Veins And It Is Used For Medication Administration, Hemodynamic Monitoring, And Dialysis

 

Central Venous Catheter

A Central Venous Catheter (CVC) is a tube that is inserted into a vein in the arm, neck or chest. This allows a doctor to give long term IV medication. A central venous catheter is more comfortable than having to stick the vein with a needle every time medicine is needed. It can also help prevent damage to the vein.

A central venous catheter is an IV that extends into the vena cava. CVC's tip is positioned in the vena cava, close to the heart.

The location of the catheter tip is important for safe placement, as it can limit the risk of a central line-related bloodstream infection.

Central Venous Catheter are used for many different reasons, including delivery of fluids and medications. They may also be needed when peripheral venous access is difficult or impossible.

The function of the port of a central venous catheter is to provide access for medicines and fluids. It is a small, silicone bubble under the skin that holds a slender plastic catheter.

The port is inserted into a vein, such as the jugular vein, subclavian vein, or superior vena cava. It is typically placed through a minor surgery under local or general anesthesia by an interventional radiologist or surgeon.

A central venous catheter is a standard and, often, necessary procedure for critically ill patients. They are used for many purposes such as dialysis, medication administration, parenteral nutrition administration, and hemodynamic monitoring.

Complications are relatively common and can include infection, catheter-related blood stream infections, and thrombosis. These may be life-threatening in up to 25% of cases. Thrombosis is usually managed with daily flushing of normal saline and locking of the port with heparin when not in use. The risk of clot formation depends on the patient’s medical history and the site of catheter placement.

A Central Venous Catheter helps carry fluids, medicine, and blood products into the body. The tube also can be used to take blood when needed for tests.

Before a central venous catheter is inserted, the skin is numbened with local anesthetic. This numbing medication also makes it less likely to get an infection. In a hospital, a healthcare provider called a proceduralist performs the procedure. This person is specially trained to place certain types of lines.

The insertion site is chosen based on the patient's condition, needs, and risk factors. Several common sites are subclavian vein, or internal jugular vein. However, other access sites may be used if they are more appropriate for the patient's needs and reduce risks for complications. If possible, avoid access at sites that have altered local anatomy, the presence of another central venous catheter or device, and pulmonary disease.

Some types of long-term central lines have a special valve that opens and closes as fluid is withdrawn or infused from the catheter. This helps keep blood from clotting in the catheter. The health care team will teach how to take good care of the CVC. This includes keeping it clean and flushing it regularly with sterile solutions.

The valve may also open or close to release a solution called heparin, which is used to keep blood from clotting in the catheter. If the heparin leaks out, call the doctor right away.

Some complications of Central Venous Catheter can be dangerous or even deadly. The most common complication is infection, called catheter-related bloodstream infection (CRBSI).