Arabic
Intravenous catheter :
A central venous catheter is a long, flexible tube that is inserted into a vein in the chest. There are several different types of central venous catheters. Your doctor will decide which type is best for you. All central venous catheters contain a single central catheter that is inserted into one of the large veins near your heart. Outside the body, the central catheter is divided into one, two, or three smaller tubes known as lumens. Each cavity contains a clip and needleless connector (also known as a wand), as well as a sterilization cap on the end
Having a central venous catheter helps reduce your exposure to needle sticks. Your care team will use a central venous catheter to:
- Draw blood samples from you
- Giving you fluids
- Giving you chemotherapy and other medications
- Give you blood transfusions
- Giving you intravenous nutrition
A central venous catheter can remain in your body for a few years. It will remain in place for the duration of treatment. Your doctor will remove your central venous catheter when you no longer need it.
Having a central venous catheter should not prevent you from doing your usual activities, such as going to school or work, or showering and doing light exercise. Read the “Caring for your central venous catheter” section for more information.
You will undergo a central venous catheter placement procedure. The nurse will instruct you how to prepare for the procedure. She will also instruct you on how to care for your central venous catheter after the procedure. You will learn how to:
- Change the bandage
- Change needleless connectors
- Changing Disinfection Caps (SwabCaps™)
- Flushing the central venous catheter
Your caregiver, family member or friend can also accompany you to learn this with you. After you go home, use this resource to help you remember the steps to care for your central venous catheter.