Caring for your central line can be overwhelming. There are many different types of central lines, and the care can vary depending on the line. Below you will find links to information about the different types of central lines and their care, as well as videos which explain how to safely care for your central line at home.
Please note: these videos only cover the types of central lines placed at Fairview Health Services, University of Minnesota Medical Center and University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital.
Tunneled central venous catheters (CVC) are thin, flexible tubes (catheters) placed in a large vein. They deliver fluids and medicine into the vein and make it easy to get blood samples. The catheter enters through the chest wall and tunnels under the skin to a large vein near your heart. An anchoring cuff holds the catheter in place. A tunneled catheter can have more than one line and have clamps. Different companies make them, so they may look different than the one shown here, which is a Bard Power Hickman. CVC's are flushed with heparin or citrate to keep them from clotting, unless your care team says otherwise.
Documents
Your Central Venous Catheter
Caring for your CVC at home
Changing the End Cap
Flushing the Line with Heparin, Saline or Citrate
Changing Your Bandage
Handwashing and Skin Care
Valved peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) are thin, flexible tubes (catheters) placed in a large vein. They deliver fluids and medicine into the vein and make it easy to get blood samples. The catheter enters a large vein at or above the bend of your elbow, and is threaded through the vein until the tip reaches another large vein in your chest. Valved PICCs may have more than one line and do not have clamps. Different companies make them, so they may look different than the one shown here, which is a Bard Power PICC Solo. Valved PICCs are flushed with normal saline to keep them from clotting, unless your care team says otherwise.
Documents
Peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) are thin, flexible tubes (catheters) placed in a large vein. They deliver fluids and medicine into the vein and make it easy to get blood samples. The catheter enters a large vein at or above the bend of your elbow, and is threaded through the vein until the tip reaches another large vein in your chest. PICCs may have more than one line and have clamps. Different companies make them, so they may look different than the one shown here, which is a Bard Power PICC. PICCs are flushed with heparin or citrate to keep them from clotting, unless your care team says otherwise.
Documents
