A central catheter is a long, thin tube that is inserted into a
large vein. A central catheter is used to deliver medicine,
nutrition, IV fluids, and chemotherapy . There are different
types of central catheters, including: - Peripherally inserted
central catheter (PICC line)—The catheter is threaded through a
vein in the arm until it reaches the larger vein close to the
heart. - Non-tunneled central catheter—It is inserted in a large
vein in the neck or leg; the tube end is outside of the skin. -
Tunneled central catheter—It is inserted in the neck vein and
“tunneled” under the skin. The end of the catheter is sticking
out from under the skin, usually below the collarbone. - Port
catheter—It is inserted in a shoulder or neck vein. The port is
under the skin, and the catheter is tunneled into the central
vein. The port is accessed by putting a needle through the skin
directly into the port. Reasons for Procedure Central catheters
are inserted when patients need: - Long-term medicine or fluids
- Nutrition, but