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Central venous line: Difference between revisions
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(Created page with "A '''central venous line''' or '''central venous catheter,''' often shortened to simply a '''central line''', is a catheter inserted into a central vein (as opposed to a peripheral vein for a regular peripheral venous catheter). The jugular, subclavian, or femoral vein can be used, with the jugular vein being the most common. A central line is, like an arterial line, often used for critically ill patients. Blood samples can be taken from the...") |
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A '''central venous line''' or '''central venous catheter,''' often shortened to simply a '''central line''', is a catheter inserted into a central vein (as opposed to a peripheral vein for a regular [[peripheral venous catheter]]). The jugular, subclavian, or femoral vein can be used, with the jugular vein being the most common. | <section begin="A&IC" />A '''central venous line''' or '''central venous catheter,''' often shortened to simply a '''central line''', is a catheter inserted into a central vein (as opposed to a peripheral vein for a regular [[peripheral venous catheter]]). The jugular, subclavian, or femoral vein can be used, with the jugular vein being the most common. | ||
A central line is, like an [[arterial line]], often used for [[Critical illness|critically ill]] patients. Blood samples can be taken from them and fluids and medications can be delivered through them. A central line is usually stable over a longer period of time than a peripheral venous catheter and is therefore also often used for people who need long-term intravenous administration, like antibiotics for [[Infective endocarditis|endocarditis]]. It also allows for the measurement of certain parameters: | A central line is, like an [[arterial line]], often used for [[Critical illness|critically ill]] patients. Blood samples can be taken from them and fluids and medications can be delivered through them. A central line is usually stable over a longer period of time than a peripheral venous catheter and is therefore also often used for people who need long-term intravenous administration, like antibiotics for [[Infective endocarditis|endocarditis]]. It also allows for the measurement of certain parameters: | ||
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Due to the longer distance from the entry point through the skin to the perforation of the central vein, the risk of infection is lower. The indications are the same as for regular non-tunneled central venous catheters. | Due to the longer distance from the entry point through the skin to the perforation of the central vein, the risk of infection is lower. The indications are the same as for regular non-tunneled central venous catheters. | ||
== Venous access port == | |||
A venous access port (VAP) is a form of central venous catheter where the distal end is placed in a central vein and the proximal end is connected to a small chamber that is placed surgically under the skin on the chest. The VAP can be palpated. To access the central vein, a specialised needle (VAP needle) is used to penetrate the overlying skin and into the small chamber. The chamber can be used 2000 times before it must be exchanged. This device is used in patients who require repeated infusions or blood tests over time. | |||
== Complications == | |||
During placement of CVCs, pneumothorax can occur. Accidental puncture of an artery is also possible. Other than that, the most common complication is infection, more specifically called [[central line-associated bloodstream infection]] (CLABSI). Sterile insertion and maintainance is essential to reduce the risk. CVCs should be removed when no longer needed. | |||
<section end="A&IC" /> | |||
[[Category:Intensive care]] | |||