| | | |
 
 
For families
 Quick Links
 
     
 

Central lines

Children with cancer requiring chemotherapy can benefit from the placement of a central venous access device.  These devices allow delivery of chemotherapy, other medications, and sampling of blood.  There are two main types of central venous access:  external catheters and implanted ports.  Your physician will discuss with you and decide on the type that is most appropriate for your child and his/her treatment. 

External central venous catheters require daily Heparin flushes, to keep them patent, and dressing changes over the exit site.  Parents are taught how to take care of the catheter before their child is discharged from the hospital.  This powerpoint presentation Central Line Teaching for families (PDF) may be viewed to assist you in learning about central venous catheter care.


Page updated August 2011