Central venous catheter facts for kids

For the London Underground rail network, see Central line.

A central venous catheter (CVC) or "central line" is a catheter put in a large vein in the neck, chest, or groin when a patient needs close cardiovascular monitoring, for assessment of fluid status, and so that intravenous drugs and fluids can be given to the patient more effectively. The veins most commonly used are the internal jugular vein, the subclavian vein, and the femoral vein.

Images for kids

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  Implanted port

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  Triluminal catheter

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  A central venous catheter secured to the skin with suture

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  Chest x-ray with catheter in the right subclavian vein

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  The outline of superior vena cava on a chest X-ray is labeled at left.