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Central Line

Overview & Description

A central line is a special intravenous line, called an IV. This type of IV is inserted through the chest and threaded into one of the large veins that lie close to the heart. A central line has multiple ports that can be used to:

draw blood

give fluids

monitor central venous blood pressure

Who is a candidate for the procedure?

A central line is used for:

gaining emergency IV access when the usual IV access into an arm vein is not possible

monitoring central venous pressure during major surgery or after severe blood loss from trauma or illness

giving fluids, blood products, chemotherapy , and other medicines, as well as for hyperalimentation

drawing blood samples

administering long-term IV therapy

How is the procedure performed?

A central line is inserted under sterile conditions. The person is usually placed in the Trendelenburg position, which means the head is below the level of the heart. The skin is cleansed, and a local anesthetic is injected to make the area numb. A healthcare professional advances the line until it reaches the large vein of the chest. The catheter is then sutured in place, and a sterile dressing is applied.

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