Central lines

3 Central lines



Background


Central lines or central venous pressure (CVP) lines are placed to allow access to the central venous circulation. They have several functions, such as venous access for administration of drugs/fluids/feeding and monitoring. Several other types of intravenous catheter exist and principles for interpretation of radiographs following insertion of these lines are the same. Examples include Permcaths in dialysis patients, Hickman lines for patients who require long-term antibiotics and portacaths for patients who inject antibiotics or other medications long term.


They are placed in a wide range of patients, in ITU and the ward setting in both medical and surgical patients.



Radiological features


There are two main objectives when interpreting radiographs following placement of a CVP line:


1. Is line placement and position correct?

2. Are there any complications? The commonest are pneumothorax and mediastinal haematoma secondary to vessel damage.

image

Fig. 3.1B Line diagram indicating relevant venous anatomy for interpretation. SVC = superior vena cava, IJV = internal jugular vein, BC = brachiocephalic.

Related posts:

Permanent pacemakers Empyema Chronic pancreatitis Large bowel obstruction Brodie’s abscess Slipped upper femoral epiphysis

Stay updated, free articles. Join our Telegram channel
Tags:
Aug 20, 2016 | Posted by in ULTRASONOGRAPHY | Comments Off on Central lines

Full access? Get Clinical Tree
Get Clinical Tree app for offline access