About this topic
A central line catheter is a very long intravenous line (I.V.). The Broviac, Hickman, Hohn, and peripherally-inserted central catheter or PICC are different kinds of central lines. They are long, thin, flexible tubes or catheters. The catheter is put in your arm, neck, groin, or chest through the skin. It goes into a large blood vessel that leads to your heart. It gives a direct path into your blood so drugs, food, or fluids can be given to you quickly and may avoid extra needlesticks for you. ‚
A central line catheter comes with risks and benefits. It is important to know what these are and to find out all of your choices before you decide to have a central line placed. ‚
General
Your doctor may offer you a central line catheter for many reasons. The catheter may be placed in your body because you need: ‚
- I.V. fluids ¢ ˆ ’ Ask if you can have an I.V. in a small vein in your arm or hand.
- Drugs ¢ ˆ ’ Ask if they can be given by a pill or shot.
- Food through the I.V. ¢ ˆ ’ Ask if there are other feeding tubes offered.
- Blood drawn ¢ ˆ ’ Ask if the blood can be drawn from your arm.
Some kinds of fluids and drugs are very irritating and can harm small veins. Your doctor may offer a central line to protect your veins from the effects of these fluids and drugs. ‚
Talk to your doctor to make sure it is clear to you why a central line is being offered. Together you can make the best plan for your care. ‚
What will the results be?
You and your doctor can decide on the best kind of I.V. for you. Make sure you ask questions about all the risks and benefits of the type of central line or other kind of I.V. used. ‚
Where can I learn more?
New South Wales Government ‚
http://intensivecare.hsnet.nsw.gov.au/central-venous-lines ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
Copyright
Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚