Central Venous Catheter (CVC)

Type of Device

Comments

PICC (peripherally inserted central catheter)

Inserted in a vein in the arm and threaded up near the heart. An intermediate-term catheter which allows for continuous access to peripheral vein for several weeks to months. No surgery needed. Care of catheter needed.

Midline catheter
(Per-Q-Cath Midline, Groshong Midline)

Also placed in a vein in the arm, but the catheter is not threaded as far as a PICC. A short-term catheter used for intermediate length therapy when a regular peripheral IV is not advisable or available. No surgery needed. Care of catheter needed.

TCVC (Tunneled Central Venous Catheter)
(Hickman, Broviac, Groshong)

The catheter can have multiple lumens (openings) and is surgically placed in large central vein in the chest. The catheter is tunneled under the skin, but the lumens remain outside the body. This is a long-term catheter that is good for months to years. Site care of external catheter and regular flushing is needed.

Implantable Venous Access Port
(Port-A-Cath, BardPort, PassPort, Medi-port)

A port of plastic, stainless steel, or titanium with a silicone septum. This drum-shaped device is surgically placed under the skin of the chest or upper arm. The attached catheter extends into a large or central vein. The port is accessed by a non-coring needle. It is intended for long-term use. No routine care is needed when not in use, although it may need to be flushed if not used for more than a month at a time.

Implantable pump

A titanium pump with an internal power source surgically implanted to give continuous infusion chemotherapy, usually at home. There is a refillable reservoir for continuous infusions.