There are many different types of catheters and lines utilized by medical professionals to access your blood, whether used for taking blood samples, administering medication or receiving dialysis. You’re probably already familiar with a standard IV, or peripheral IV, that’s
There are many different types of catheters and lines utilized by medical professionals to access your blood, whether used for taking blood samples, administering medication or receiving dialysis. You’re probably already familiar with a standard IV, or peripheral IV, that’s usually placed in the hand or arm, but there are other types of access as well, such as a central venous catheter (CVC) and a peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC).
A CVC serves as a way to access your blood and helps your medical team deliver medication, blood products, nutrients, or fluids directly into your bloodstream or to draw blood samples. A peripherally inserted central catheter, also known as a PICC (pronounced “pick”), is just one type of central venous catheter. While a PICC is never used for dialysis, it is commonly used to administer medications for patients, such as antibiotics or chemotherapy.
Let’s look at the similarities and differences between a CVC and a PICC, and when you might come across them in your care.
Central Venous Catheters (CVC)
What is a CVC?
A central venous catheter is a long, flexible, y-shaped tube that is inserted through one of the central veins found in your neck, chest or groin to allow access to the bloodstream. A CVC is much longer than the standard IV and is placed deeper in the body into larger blood veins. The CVC is also able to remain in the body for a longer period of time than the standard IV.
There are two types of central venous catheters: tunneled and non-tunneled. Tunneled CVC’s are placed under the skin and meant to be used for a longer duration of time. Non-tunneled catheters are designed to be temporary and may be put into a large vein near your neck, chest, or groin.
During an outpatient procedure, a physician who specializes in vascular access makes a small incision in the skin over the selected vein located in the neck, upper chest, or groin. The physician will numb the area for the insertion and may use x-ray imaging to guide the catheter into its correct location downward toward the chest.
After it’s inserted, two soft tubes will be visible on the outside of the body in the upper chest area. These tubes will serve as access to the bloodstream and will be capped off when not in use. The internal portion of the CVC (the tip) rests in the right upper chamber of the heart and the y-end of the CVC remains outside of your body.
What is a CVC Used For?
A CVC can be accessed for a multitude of uses, including administering medicine, nutrition or chemotherapy, drawing blood, or receiving dialysis treatment. (i)
Why Would I Need a CVC?
If you are receiving long-term treatment, whether it’s for an infection or cancer, a CVC provides easy access to your blood for medical providers.
A CVC is also an option for hemodialysis treatment. It’s important to note that while a CVC can be used for dialysis, an arteriovenous (AV) fistula is considered the first and best choice in dialysis access. In some cases, a central venous catheter may be placed for urgent hemodialysis while the patient’s AV fistula is still healing