Central Line
A central venous catheter (CVC) or central venous line is a catheter inserted into a large vein in the neck, chest or groin. In cancer patients the central line is inserted into a large vein close to the heart. The central line allows health professionals to perform blood tests and administer drugs without having to give the patient a needle each time. It is more efficient and less painful for the patient. A central line contrasts a peripheral line, which is usually inserted into the arms or hands.

Most chemotherapy patients receive medication through intravenous injection. This can be a problem, not only because the drugs are so potent and potentially dangerous but also because young patients have tiny veins. Drawing blood and starting IVs to administer chemo is painful and stressful for the child and the medical team. For this reason, a physician will surgically insert a central venous catheter (CVC or central venous line) into a large vein close to the cancer patient’s heart. There are two main types of central lines: internal lines and external lines.