Overview
What a Central Line Does
A central venous catheter provides access to a large central vein, usually with the catheter tip near the cavoatrial junction.
A central venous catheter provides access to a large central vein, usually with the catheter tip near the cavoatrial junction. It can support vasopressor infusions, parenteral nutrition, irritant medications, frequent blood sampling, haemodynamic therapies, and prolonged intravenous treatment. Common devices include short-term non-tunnelled central venous catheters, peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs), tunnelled catheters, implanted ports, and haemodialysis catheters. The device type changes some risks: a short-term catheter is particularly vulnerable to organisms migrating from the skin along the insertion tract, whereas long-term devices are more often contaminated through repeated hub or connector access. A central line is not inherently safer because it is central. It is a direct pathway to the bloodstream. Every day it remains in place creates another opportunity for contamination, thrombosis, occlusion, or mechanical injury. The safest central line is the one that is no longer needed and has been removed.