You have a central line. This is a long tube (catheter) that goes into a vein in your chest, arm, or groin and ends at your heart or in a large vein. What is a Central Line? Your central line carries nutrients and medicine into your body. It can also be used to take blood when you need to have blood tests. Central line infections are very serious.
What is a central line in a hospital?
A central line (or central venous catheter) is like an intravenous (IV) line. But it is much longer than a regular IV and goes all the way up to a vein near the heart or just inside the heart. A patient can get medicine, fluids, blood, or nutrition through a central line.
Why do you need a central line for a heart attack?
You need a central line as part of your treatment. It’s also called a central venous access device (CVAD) or central venous catheter (CVC). A small, soft tube called a catheter is put in a vein that leads to your heart. When you no longer need the central line, it will be taken out. Your skin will then heal.
How is a central line placed in a catheter?
The catheter is threaded through the vein until the tip sits in the large vein near the heart (vena cava). Types of central lines include: Peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC). This line is placed in a large vein in the upper arm, or near the bend of the elbow. Subclavian line.
Which vein is the Central Line placed in?
The central line will be placed into 1 of the veins as described below. Which vein is used depends on your needs and overall health. The catheter is threaded through the vein until the tip sits in the large vein near the heart (vena cava). Types of central lines include:
Why would you need a central line?
Why is it necessary? A central line is necessary when you need drugs given through your veins over a long period of time, or when you need kidney dialysis. In these cases, a central line is easier and less painful than having needles put in your veins each time you need therapy.
How long does a central line procedure take?
The procedure is performed while using x-rays to guide placement of the tube. The procedure itself lasts approximately 30 minutes to 1 hour . Usually the patient does not require overnight hospitalization.
What does having a central line mean?
A central line is an IV (intravenous) line that goes into a large blood vessel near the center of the body. Central lines are used for giving medications, fluids, IV nutrition and drawing blood. The central line is usually placed in the chest area.
How is central line inserted?
The placement sites include the internal jugular vein, femoral vein, and subclavian vein. The right internal jugular vein and left subclavian vein are the most direct paths to the right atrium via the superior vena cava.
Can you go home with a central line?
At home, you need to take care of your central line to keep it working. A central line has a high infection risk. So you must take extra care washing your hands and preventing the spread of germs.
How long can a central line stay in place?
A central venous catheter can remain for weeks or months, and some patients receive treatment through the line several times a day. Central venous catheters are important in treating many conditions, particularly in intensive care units (ICUs).
What's the difference between a central line and a PICC line?
A PICC line is a longer catheter that's also placed in the upper arm. Its tip ends in the largest vein of the body, which is why it's considered a central line. PICC stands for "peripherally inserted central-line catheter.” A CVC is identical to a PICC line, except it's placed in the chest or neck.
When should central line be removed?
Whenever central access is no longer necessary, the central line should be removed promptly.
Which vein does a central line go into?
The internal jugular vein, common femoral vein, and subclavian veins are the preferred sites for temporary central venous catheter placement. Additionally, for mid-term and long-term central venous access, the basilic and brachial veins are utilized for peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs).
What is the most common risk associated with central line placement?
Arterial puncture, hematoma, and pneumothorax are the most common mechanical complications during the insertion of central venous catheters (Table 2). Overall, internal jugular catheterization and subclavian venous catheterization carry similar risks of mechanical complications.
How do you take care of a central line?
Tips to Avoid ProblemsAlways wash your hands before touching your CVC.Don't use scissors, safety pins, or other sharp objects near your catheter.Keep the dressing clean and dry.Make sure to have extra supplies on hand in case you need them.Tape the tube to your body so it doesn't get tugged out of place.
What medications must be given through a central line?
The Infusion Nurses Society Standards of Practice (2006) state that drugs which have a pH less than 5 and greater than 9 should be infused through a Central Line. Certain drugs are venous irritants regardless of pH or concentration.
Are you awake for central line placement?
You'll be awake during the procedure, but numbing medicine will be used to minimize discomfort. A PICC line is usually inserted in a vein in your upper arm, above your elbow.
Is CVC procedure painful?
Local anesthetics such as lidocaine are commonly used to reduce pain during the procedure. However, even after the establishment of an effective field block, subsequent steps such as anchoring of the catheter to the skin by suture or the eventual catheter tunneling are a source of pain and distress.
What's the difference between a PICC line and a central line?
A PICC line is a longer catheter that's also placed in the upper arm. Its tip ends in the largest vein of the body, which is why it's considered a central line. PICC stands for "peripherally inserted central-line catheter.” A CVC is identical to a PICC line, except it's placed in the chest or neck.
What is the most common immediate complication of central line insertion?
Arterial puncture, hematoma, and pneumothorax are the most common mechanical complications during the insertion of central venous catheters (Table 2). Overall, internal jugular catheterization and subclavian venous catheterization carry similar risks of mechanical complications.
What is a central line?
What Are Central Lines? A central line (or central venous catheter) is like an intravenous (IV) line. But it is much longer than a regular IV and goes all the way up to a vein near the heart or just inside the heart. A patient can get medicine, fluids, blood, or nutrition through a central line. It also can be used to draw blood.
Why do doctors use a central line instead of a regular IV?
Doctors might use a central line instead of a regular IV line because: It can stay in place longer (up to a year or even more). It makes it easier to draw blood. Patients can get large amounts of fluids or medicines (like chemotherapy) that might not go through regular IVs.
What to ask before a child goes home from central line?
Before your child goes home from having the central line placed, ask your health care team: how to give medicines through the central line (if you will be giving medicines at home) which physical activities are OK for your child (most kids need to avoid rough play and contact sports)
Can a central line cause a blood clot?
If problems do happen, it is usually because the line gets infected or stops working. Very rarely, a central line can cause a blood clot. Doctors review the risks with families before placing the central line.
Can you get IV antibiotics through a central line?
Doctors may place a central line for someone who: has a serious infection so they can get IV antibiotics for a few weeks. has cancer so they can get chemotherapy and blood tests through the line. needs IV nutrition. will need many blood transfusions.
What is a central line?
A central line is a long, thin, hollow tube made from silicone rubber. They are also called skin-tunnelled central venous catheters. But you may hear them called by brand names such as Hickman ® or Groshong ® lines. They are used to give chemotherapy treatment or other medicines. The central line is put in (tunnelled) under the skin ...
Where is the central line put?
The central line is put in ( tunnelled) under the skin of the chest and into a vein close by. One end of the line goes into a large vein just above the heart. The other end comes out of the chest. The line is usually sealed with a special cap or bung. This can be attached to a drip or syringe containing your medication.
What happens if you have a clot in your chest?
Contact your hospital doctor or nurse if you have: swelling, redness or tenderness in the arm, chest area or up into the neck (on the same side as the central line) shortness of breath. tightness in your chest. If a clot does form, you will be given some medication to dissolve it. Your line may have to be removed.
How long does it take to remove a central line?
A doctor or specialist nurse will do this for you. It is usually done in the outpatient department and takes about 30 minutes. You will not usually need a general anaesthetic.
Can you put a central line in a shower?
When you are at home, it is safe for you to have a shower or bath with your central line in. You can place your line in a plastic bag and tape it to your skin so that the line does not get wet. Or your nurse can give you waterproof dressings to stop the line getting wet.
Can you use scissors on a central line?
It is important that the central line is not broken or cut. Do not use scissors near the line. Only use the clamp on the thicker, strengthened part of the line.
Can a blocked central line be removed?
If this happens, it can be difficult to give treatment or to take blood tests through it. The line may be flushed with a solution to try to clear the blockage, or it may need to be removed.
When Would I Need One?
The key with CVCs is that they can stay in for weeks or even years, depending on the type. That can make long-term treatment a lot easier.
PICC Line
A PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter) line goes into your arm and runs all the way to a large vein near your heart. The other end may have one or two tubes, called lumens, that stick out of your arm just above your elbow. That’s where the medicine goes.
Port
Also called an implanted port, this is a thin tube with one or two discs on one end. It goes entirely under your skin, discs and all. You usually get it in your chest, just under your collarbone.
Tunneled CVC
Most times, this one also goes into your chest around your collarbone. One end goes near your heart. On the other end, just like a PICC line, you’ll have one or more lumens where your doctor can insert medicine.
Overview & Description
A central line is a special intravenous line, called an IV. This type of IVis inserted through the chest and threaded into one of the large veins that lie close tothe heart. A central line has multiple ports that can be used to:
Preparation & Expectations
A chest X-raywill be done right away after a central line is inserted to confirm that it is in the rightposition. The line should not be used until the X-ray is done . A central line can usuallystay in place for up to 4 weeks.
Home Care and Complications
If the person is going home with the central line, the family will need tolearn how to care for the catheter. A visiting nurse can come to the home to help the familywith the care at first. The bandage at the insertion site will need to be changed every 3days. The insertion site should also be inspected closelyfor signs of infection.
Why is a central line important?
It allows us to measure the pressure of blood in the vein, which helps us to know how much fluid to give your child. Blood samples can be taken from a central line without having to use a needle.
How long does a central line last?
A central line is a narrow, flexible, hollow tube inserted into a large vein in the neck, upper chest or groin. It can remain in place for up to a week if necessary.
Why do we need an arterial line?
It helps the anaesthetist to look after your child through very accurate blood pressure measurement (beat by beat) via a monitor and in taking blood samples both during and after surgery.
What happens if you remove the central line?
Blood clot – the central line may cause a blood clot in the vein. If this happens, the line will be removed and your child may need blood thinning medication to break down the clot. Changes to the heart rhythm – The tip of the central line can stimulate the pacemaker cells in the heart to change the rhythm of the heart.
What is the line used for in Great Ormond Street Hospital?
Children having certain surgical procedures at Great Ormond Street Hospital, for example, heart or brain surgery, major abdominal or orthopaedic surgery, may have a central line or arterial line inserted as part of their anaesthetic. These lines are also used on intensive care units.
Can a cannula be removed on the ward?
Once the line is no longer required it can be removed on the ward by a nurse. The insertion site will need some firm pressure applied to it for a few minutes to ensure there is no bleeding. It is no more uncomfortable than having a peripheral cannula removed.
Can a central line be inserted in the chest?
Lung damage – if the central line is inserted in the neck or upper chest, the lung may be damaged and may collapse. We use ultrasound to see the vein and minimise this risk but if this happens your child may need a tube in the chest in between the ribs to re-inflate the lung. This is very rare.
Where is the catheter in the heart?
Central venous catheters - ports. A central venous catheter is a tube that goes into a vein in your arm or chest and ends at the right side of your heart (right atrium). If the catheter is in your chest, sometimes it is attached to a device called a port that will be under your skin.
When to use a central venous catheter?
Central venous catheters with ports are used when you need treatment over a long period of time. For example, you may need: Antibiotics or other medicines for weeks to months. Extra nutrition because your bowels are not working correctly. Or you may be receiving: Kidney dialysis several times a week. Cancer drugs often.
Why do you need a port and a catheter?
It will also be used to take blood when you need to have blood tests. Having a port attached to your catheter will cause less wear and tear on your veins than just having the catheter.
Where are ports placed?
A port is placed under your skin in a minor surgery. Most ports are placed in the chest. But they may also be placed in the arm. You may be placed into a deep sleep so you do not feel pain during surgery. You may stay awake and receive medicines to help you relax and numb the area so you do not feel pain.
What are the parts of a port?
Your port has 3 parts. Portal or reservoir. A pouch made of hard metal or plastic. Silicone top. Where a needle is inserted into the portal. Tube or catheter. Carries medicine or blood from the portal to a large vein and into the heart. To get medicine or nutrition through your port, a trained provider will stick a special needle ...
What is a central venous line?
A central venous line allows concentrated solutions to be infused with less risk of complications. It permits monitoring of special blood pressures including the central venous pressure, the pulmonary artery pressure, and the pulmonary capillary wedge pressures. A central venous line can be used for the estimation of cardiac output ...
What are the two types of central lines?
There are two types of long term central lines: the cuffed or tunnelled line and the reservoir long line that ends in a rubber bulb or reservoir. The possible complications of a central venous line include air in the chest ( pneumothorax) due to a punctured lung, bleeding in the chest (hemothorax), fluid in the chest (hydrothorax), ...
Where does a catheter end up in the heart?
Central venous line: A catheter (tube) that is passed through a vein to end up in the thoracic (chest) portion of the vena cava (the large vein returning blood to the heart) or in the right atrium of the heart. Central venous lines have a number of different uses.
What happens if a central venous line is disconnected?
If the line becomes disconnected, air may enter the blood and cause problems with breathing or a stroke. A central venous line is also called a central venous catheter. Sometimes, the "venous" is omitted and it is called a central line or central catheter. CONTINUE SCROLLING OR CLICK HERE.
What A Central Line Does
Placing The Central Line
- The central line is placed in your body during a brief procedure. This may be done in your hospital room or an operating room. Your healthcare team can tell you what to expect. During central line placement: 1. You’re fully covered with a large sterile sheet. Only the spot where the line will be placed is exposed. The skin is cleaned with antiseptic solution. These steps lower the risk for inf…
Risks and Complications
- As with any procedure, having a central line placed has certain risks. These include: 1. Infection 2. Bleeding problems 3. An irregular heartbeat 4. Injury to the vein or to lymph ducts near the vein 5. Inflammation of the vein (phlebitis) 6. Air bubble in the blood (air embolism). An air embolism can travel through the blood vessels and block the flow of blood to the heart, lungs, brain, or other or…
Why Would Someone Need A Central Line?
- A central line has several benefitsover a regular peripheral IV. So there are a few different scenarios where a provider may recommend it. Some benefits of central lines are that they can: 1. Last longer:They’re a better option when you need a certain medication for an extended period of time (like chemotherapy or antibiotics). 2. Avoid repeat IV s...
How Is A Central Line inserted?
- Healthcare providers might insert, or “place,” a central line when someone is admitted to the hospital. Different types of providers can perform the procedure. For example, an anesthesiologist might do it in the operating room. Or a critical care or emergency provider might place a central line in the intensive care unit (ICU) or emergency room (ER). In many cases, the person who nee…
Why Is A Central Line Riskier Than A Peripheral IV?
- Central lines are usually safe, but they do come with risks and potential complications that occur in about 5% of cases. Complicationsof central lines include: 1. Bleeding:Since large catheters go into larger veins, the risk of bleeding is higher compared to a small peripheral IV. You can control any excess bleeding by holding pressure on the area for a few minutes. 2. Injury of an artery: Art…
Picc Lines and Ports
- You may have heard of other types of IVs called “peripherally inserted central catheters” (PICC lines) and “ports.” These are actually special types of central lines, designed so you can leave the hospital but still receive IV treatments. A PICC lineis “peripherally inserted” through a smaller vein in the arm. Although the name may seem to suggest otherwise, it’s actually a type of “central” ca…