What is a 'central line'?
This page tells you about central lines. There is information about
A central line is a tube used to give chemotherapy. The central line is one type of 'long line'. There are others called Portacaths and PICC lines.
A central line is a tube that goes into the chest and directly into one of the major blood vessels. The end of a central line hangs out of the chest and is usually sealed off with a cap.
When it is time for you to have your cancer treatment, the nurse or doctor takes off the cap and connects the line to a syringe or drip. When all the drugs have been passed through the line it is flushed through with sterile saline and an anti-clotting drug and sealed off again.
Once you no longer need the line, the doctor will pull it out. The site will soon heal, leaving a small scar. You will also have a small scar by your collar bone. This is from a cut (incision) the doctor made when the line was put in. It was through this incision that the doctor positioned the line in the vein.
The advantage of having a central line is that you don't have to have injections or drips put in. You can have all your treatment straight into your bloodstream without you feeling it.
One disadvantage is that you have to have a small operation to put the line in. And some people don't like the idea of having the tube hanging from their chest.
Sometimes problems occur with central lines
- The line may get blocked
- You may get an infection
The line is flushed regularly with 'Heparin' or salt water (saline) to prevent clotting. The nurses on the ward will teach you how to do this. Your district nurse can help you at home at first. Your doctor may also prescribe treatment with a low dose of the drug warfarin. Warfarin is a commonly used drug. It helps to prevent blood clots which could block your line.
If you notice any
- Redness
- Swelling
- Soreness
where your line goes into your body, ring the hospital and speak to your chemotherapy nurse or doctor. These could be signs of infection. You will need to have treatment with antibiotics straight away if you do develop an infection. Otherwise, the line may have to be removed and a new one put in.
You can go home with a central line in place. It is OK to have a bath or shower too. There are very few restrictions to your everyday life. Waterproof covers are available. These are even good enough for swimming, although you must check with your doctor first if you are having chemotherapy because there may be an infection risk from using a public pool.
Before you go home make sure you are confident about looking after your line. Ask the staff on the ward if you are not sure about anything. They can arrange for district nurses to visit you at home to help with the line until you feel confident about looking after it.
If you have problems at home contact the medical staff on the ward or chemotherapy unit for advice.
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