A medical procedure in which a catheter (tube) is inserted into a large vein in the neck (internal jugular vein), chest (subclavian vein or auxillary vein) or groin (femoral vein) of chronically, critically or terminally ill patients and used to administer medication or fluids, obtain blood tests (specifically for central venous oxygen saturation) and measure central venous pressure. Central venous catheters usually remain in place for a longer period of time than other venous access devices, especially when the reason for their use is longstanding (such as total parenteral nutrition in a chronically ill patient).
No programs.