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Central Venous Access Catheter

The catheter (or line) is a thin, plastic tube used to secure a good intravenous (I.V.) access. Many drugs must be given intravenously. Having a good I.V. access is very important, especially in patients who are sick and those who require multiple I.V. medications.

This plastic tube is inserted into a large vein in the chest. The procedure is done under local anesthesia and sedation. It is normally done in a hospital or outpatient surgical center. The catheter is inserted through a small incision in the skin of the upper part of the chest, under the collar bone. From there, the catheter is introduced into the large vein under the collar bone and is further advanced to the superior vena cava, a very large vein that drains the blood into the heart.

Part of the catheter, where it enters the skin and before entering the vein, is kept under the skin in an area referred to as a "tunnel." The purpose of the tunnel is to prevent infection from finding its way into the blood vessel. The length of the tunnel is about one to two inches.

Catheter comes in many shapes and forms. The tube that enters the body may contain one or multiple lumens (openings). Each lumen is connected to a separate tube (port) outside the body. Drugs and fluids may be given into each external port of catheter. This catheter is commonly used in patients who may require an I.V. access for a period of one to three months only. For those who may need a venous access for a longer period of time, a Port-A-Cath is more appropriate.