Central line catheters allow access straight to the heart, with the catheter ending in the vena cava, a large vein leading to the heart. These catheters are bigger, stay in longer and can be inserted through the chest, neck, arms, or groin. It allows administration of medication and fluids or the ability to draw blood for labs. Your doctor will decide which central line you need depending on your medical needs.
Type of Central Lines:
PICC Line (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter)
PICC lines are placed in the vein in the inner side of the upper arm. Similar lines to the PICC can also be placed in the neck and groin.
Tunneled Central Venous Catheter
Tunneled CVCs can be placed in the neck or chest and may stay for longer term, up to several months.
Port
A port pad and catheter is placed in the chest under the skin through a brief procedure. The port is only accessed by using a special needle that punctures the thin layer of skin and into the port pad. The port has many benefits of being able to stay under the skin for years when it is not needed, not having to worry about a catheter to keep clean or out of the way. Port placements are common for patients who are receiving chemotherapy or long term frequent care.
Uses of Central Lines:
IV Medications
Antibiotics
Chemotherapy
Dialysis
Lab draws
Fluid hydration
Taking Care of a Central Line at Home
Most central lines that patients have at home will be managed by a health care professional or assistant, but sometimes patients or the patients family will be managing the central line at home. Central lines give access for bacteria, creating a major risk for infection. Patients and caregivers must take extra care to maintaining the central line and preventing infections as they can become fatal.
Dressings should be changed about once a week and as needed if soiled.
The hub should be scrubbed for 10-15 seconds and allowed to dry before use.
Always use clean hands and gloves when managing the central line.
Always use clean and new syringes.
Flush daily and check for blood return.
Prevent the dressing from getting wet by covering when showering. Plastic wrap and tape can be used to cover the catheter and dressing.
Wipe and clean or shower the body area near the catheter site daily.
Signs of Infection or Complications
Monitor your catheter and body for signs and symptoms of infection and notify your doctor, so the infection can be treated immediately.
Fever
Irritation at the site
Redness at catheter site
Pus from the catheter site
Not being able to pull back blood from the catheter line
Resources:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/23927-central-venous-catheter Assessed and Endorsed by the MedReport Medical Review Board