Central venous catheterization refers to the medical procedure of inserting a catheter into a large vein in the body, with the purpose of delivering medications, fluids, or obtaining blood samples. It is often conducted in critical care settings, operating rooms, or for prolonged treatments.
The procedure involves the insertion of a thin, flexible tube, known as a catheter, into a central vein found near the heart. Common sites for central venous catheterizations include the internal jugular, subclavian, or femoral veins. The catheter can be single or multi-lumen, and its tip is positioned in proximity to the superior vena cava or right atrium.
Central venous catheterizations serve multiple purposes, including the administration of medications that require large volumes or have irritant properties, such as chemotherapy drugs or parenteral nutrition. They enable the monitoring of central venous pressure, blood gases, or central venous oxygen saturation. Additionally, central venous catheters may be utilized for fluid resuscitation in individuals with significant volume depletion or for obtaining blood samples when peripheral venous access is challenging.
Specialized medical professionals, such as anesthesiologists, interventional radiologists, or surgeons, typically perform central venous catheterizations. The procedure requires aseptic technique to minimize the risk of infection. Potential complications may include bleeding, infection, blood vessel injury, pneumothorax, or air embolism.
Given their indispensable role in critical medicine, central venous catheterizations have become common procedures in various clinical scenarios, allowing for efficient patient care and treatment.
