Definition:
The purpose of a central venous catheter is to allow frequent access to a person's veins without having to stick them with intravenous (IV) needles or other large catheters. A "chemo port" is an example of a central venous catheter that is sometimes implanted into individuals receiving infusion-based chemotherapy.
Central venous catheters are surgically implanted into a large vein near the heart and can stay in place for weeks, months, and even years. While they are often used to deliver chemotherapy drugs, a central venous catheter can also be used to draw blood, deliver antibiotics and nutrition, and perform blood transfusions.
Also Known As: vascular access device
