Central Venous Line:A central venous line is a tube inserted through a vein, reaching the chest area of the large vein that returns blood to the heart or directly into the heart itself. These lines serve several purposes, such as allowing the safe infusion of concentrated solutions and enabling the monitoring of specific blood pressures, including central venous pressure, pulmonary artery pressure, and pulmonary wedge pressures. Additionally, a central venous line can be used to measure cardiac output and vascular resistance. The end of the catheter can be attached to a chamber for administering injections over extended periods. By using a central venous line, patients can avoid frequent smaller injections or "drips" in the arms and may receive medicines or fluids at home rather than in the hospital.Central venous lines can be used for both short-term and long-term needs. There are two types of long-term central lines: the cuffed or tunneled line and the type that ends in a rubber bulb or reservoir.However, there are potential complications associated with central venous lines, such as pneumothorax, which is air entering the chest due to a punctured lung, hemothorax, which is bleeding into the chest, hydrothorax, fluid accumulation in the chest, bleeding under the skin, and infection. If the line becomes disconnected, air may enter the bloodstream, potentially leading to breathing difficulties or a more serious condition.This medical device is also known as a central venous catheter. Occasionally, the term "venous" is dropped, and it is simply referred to as a central catheter.
