Venous catheter

From WikiMD's Food, Medicine & Wellness Encyclopedia

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[edit | edit source]

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[edit | edit source]

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

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

Risks and Complications[edit | edit source]

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

  • Infection
  • Blood clots
  • Air embolism
  • Phlebitis

See Also[edit | edit source]

Venous catheter Resources
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Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD, Dr.T