A central venous catheter (CVC), also known as a central line, central venous line, or central venous access catheter, is a catheter placed into a large vein. It is a form of venous access . Placement of larger catheters in more centrally located veins is often needed in critically ill patients, or in those requiring prolonged intravenous therapies, for more reliable vascular access.
A central venous catheter (KATHeter), also known as
a central line or CVC, is 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.