What is the central venous line?
The central venous line, which is also called the peripherally inserted line of the central catheter (PICC) or the central venous catheter, is a small flexible tube that leads from a large vein near the heart, over the arm or chest, into the body. The aim of the central venous line is to provide an immediate intravenous approach to the heart for medical staff. These small tubes are primarily used to supply the body with fluids and nutrients, but can also be used to supply antibiotics in a hospital environment. They commonly occur in premature newborn, cancer patients and patients who require constant supervision due to unpredictable diseases.
The most common setting for the central venous line is in the hospital, but can also be used under other circumstances. The central line in the hospital can also go from a large vein near the heart, through the neck, outside the body. PICC neck lines are not commonly used to supply long -term antibiotics such as those used in the hospice environment because of the potentialLittle discomfort they can cause to the patient. Patients with long -term care often use a central line that passes through the arm. This type of central line allows the patient to maintain a wider range of movement.
By using a catheter that combines as close as possible to the heart, doctors can avoid many complications that come to force antibiotics through the entire blood system. Central venous lines can also be maintained on site for a longer period of time than traditional central catheters; As a result, lines are often used in patients who require constant care. Lines are also suitable for patients who may need immediate medicines in an emergency such as certain types of heart patients.
The three main types of central venous lines are PICC lines, tunneled catheters and implanted ports. While the term PICC line is often used as a general term for all Central Lines, in fact aboutIt marks a specific type of line that is inserted through the arm. The tunneled catheter shows a small part of the end of the line, while the implanted port lies completely under the skin.
Sometimes the use of a central venous line can cause complications. Potential complications range from slight irritation at the place of insertion to potentially life -threatening collapsed lungs. Most complications are generally mild and not serious enough to interrupt the use of the catheter. The maintenance of the central venous line together with the correct insertion technique usually minimizes or prevents most complications.