Venous catheter

Venous Catheter

A venous catheter is a medical device that is inserted into a vein to administer medication, for intravenous therapy or for blood sampling of venous blood. In addition to their medical use, venous catheters are also used in scientific research to perform a variety of tasks.

Types of Venous Catheters

There are several types of venous catheters, including:

• Peripheral venous catheter: This is the most common type of venous catheter. It is typically inserted into a vein in the arm or hand.

• Central venous catheter: This type of catheter is inserted into a large vein in the neck, chest, or groin.

• PICC line: A PICC (Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter) line is a longer catheter that is inserted through a vein in the arm and then guided to a larger vein in the chest near the heart.

• Port: A port is a small, round disc made of plastic or metal that is placed under the skin. A catheter connects the port to a vein.

Uses of Venous Catheters

Venous catheters are used for a variety of medical purposes, including:

• Administering medications
• Administering intravenous fluids
• Drawing blood
• Monitoring blood pressure

Risks and Complications

While venous catheters are generally safe, they can sometimes cause complications, such as:

• Infection
• Blood clots
• Air embolism
• Phlebitis

See Also

• Intravenous therapy
• Central venous catheter
• PICC line
• Port (medical)

Venous catheter Resources
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