Central Venous Access Catheters

Certain people with medical conditions sometimes require that tubes should be placed into the veins in the body so that they can receive medication or nutrients directly into the blood stream. In addition, blood can be drawn through these catheters. In the past surgery was required to insert these tubes, however, today this can be done without surgery by an interventional radiologist. Interventional radiologists can perform these procedures in the safest and most effective manner as they are trained in the use of ultrasound as well as x-rays to guide the placement of these catheters with minimal complications and high levels of success.

These catheters can be placed beneath your skin so that there is a simple, pain-free way for doctors or nurses to draw your blood or give you medications in the future. When you have a central venous access catheter you can be spared the irritation and discomfort of repeated needle sticks. In addition, several other things can be given through your catheter, depending on the type of catheter including chemotherapy, antibiotics, nutritional supplements, and hemodialylsis.

There are several different types of catheters including tunneled catheters (Hickman) as well as peripheral catheters including PICCs as well as dialysis catheters and implantable PORTS.