This article covers what central lines are used for.
It also explains how one is placed and some of the associated risks.
What Is the Purpose of a Central Line?
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A central line may have up to five ports calledlumens.
These can be used to give fluids, draw blood, or take measurements.
A standard IV is the jot down of IV that many people are familiar with.
Unlike a central line, a standard IV does not allow for the removal of fluids from the body.
This is not the same as a central line, but it does share many of the same features.
How Is a Central Line Placed?
Be sure to ask your healthcare provider any questions you may have.
During Placement
During the procedure, the environment and equipment are kept as sterile as possible.
During placement:
A central line placement procedure takes about an hour.
After Insertion
After placement, the area is cleaned again.
A sterile dressing is placed over the insertion site, with the lumens accessible.
Before the line can be used, its placement must be confirmed with anX-ray, an imaging technique.
This ensures that medications won’t be accidentally delivered into tissue or the wrong blood vessel.
Sometimes the catheter may need adjustment if it is placed too far in the vessel or not far enough.
What Are the Risks of a Central Line?
Central lines come with risks.
These risks must be weighed against the need for the line.
The potential for infection is the greatest concern.
It makes blood draws easier and allows for the delivery of large amounts of fluid for medication or hydration.
Some types of central lines can remain in place for weeks or even months.
A central line is very useful.
Days, weeks, or months.
This is true as long as there are no complications, such as an infection or blockage.
You are positioned on your back.
You may be asked to breathe out while holding your nose with the hand opposite the catheter.
At the same time, your healthcare professional puts pressure on the site and gently pulls the line out.
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