A tunneled central line is a type of central line. A central line (also called a central venous catheter) is like an intravenous (IV) line. But it is much longer than a regular IV and goes all the way up to a vein near the heart or just inside the heart.
A patient can get medicine, fluids, blood, or nutrition through a central line. It also can be used to draw blood.
Tunneled central lines (also called external central lines) go in through the skin near the collarbone:
The other end of the line stays outside the body, usually on the chest. It may divide into more than one line. The end of each line is covered with a cap. Health care providers attach syringes (a tube with a plunger) to the caps when they give medicine or draw blood. No needles are used, so there's no pain.
The two main types of external lines are Broviacs or Hickmans.
Central lines are thicker and more durable than a regular IV. They're also much longer and go farther into the vein. Doctors use a central line instead of a regular IV line because:
A central line can help someone who:
Doctors place tunneled central lines in an operating room, intensive care unit, or interventional radiology suite. The patient is sedated (given medicine to relax) or gets general anesthesia (to go to sleep) so they won't feel pain.
To place the line, a doctor will:
Most of the time, there are no problems with a central line. If problems do happen, it is usually because the line gets infected or stops working. Very rarely, a central line can cause a blood clot. Doctors review the risks with families before placing the central line.
Check the central line area every day and call the doctor right away if:
At home, a child's tunneled central line needs special care to prevent infection and keep it working well. It's normal to feel a little bit nervous caring for the line at first, but soon you'll feel more comfortable. You'll get supplies to use at home, and a visiting nurse may come to help you when you first get home.
Before your child goes home, ask your health care team:
Tell your child's teachers, school nurse, counselor, and physical education teacher about the tunneled central line. They can make sure your child avoids any activities that may damage the line, and help support your child during treatment.
Reviewed by: Amy W. Anzilotti, MD
Date Reviewed: Jan 1, 2020