A central venous catheter (KATHeter), also known as a central line or CVC, is a long, soft, thin, hollow tube that is placed into a large vein (blood vessel). A central venous catheter differs from an intravenous (IV) catheter placed in the hand or arm (also called a “peripheral IV”). A central line is longer, with a larger tube, and is placed in a large (central) vein in the neck, upper chest or groin. This type of catheter has special benefits in that it can deliver fluids into a larger vein, and that it can stay in the body for a longer period of time than a usual, shorter IV.
Common reasons for having a central line include:
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