Central venous line - infants

Definition

A central venous line is a long, soft, flexible tube that is put into a large vein in the chest.

Alternative Names

CVL - infants; Central catheter - infants - surgically placed

Information

WHY IS A CENTRAL VENOUS LINE USED?

A central venous line is most often put in when a baby cannot get a percutaneous inserted central catheter (PICC) or midline central catheter (MCC). A central venous line can be used to give nutrients or medicines to a baby. It is only put in when babies need IV nutrients or medicines for a long time.

HOW IS A CENTRAL VENOUS LINE PLACED?

The central venous line is put in at the hospital. The health care provider will:

WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF A CENTRAL VENOUS LINE?

Risks include:

If the baby has any of these problems, the central venous line may be taken out. Talk to your baby's provider about the risks of a central venous line.

References

Center of Disease Control and Prevention website. Intravascular catheter-related infection (BSI) prevention guidelines. www.cdc.gov/infection-control/hcp/intravascular-catheter-related-infection/?CDC_AAref_Val=https://www.cdc.gov/infectioncontrol/guidelines/BSI/index.html. Updated April 12, 2024. Accessed June 19, 2024.

Edwards LR, Malone MP, et al. Pediatric vascular access and centeses. In: Fuhrman BP, Zimmerman JJ, eds. Fuhrman and Zimmerman's Pediatric Critical Care. 6th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2022:chap 14.

Huff KA, Denne SC. Parenteral nutrition for the high-risk neonate. In: Gleason CA, Sawyer T, eds. Avery's Diseases of the Newborn. 11th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 60.



Review Date: 12/31/2023
Reviewed By: Mary J. Terrell, MD, IBCLC, Neonatologist, Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, Fayetteville, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
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