Tunnelled central line Q&As
Published by Bupa's health information team, November 2008.
Answers to questions about tunnelled central line
This section contains answers to common questions about this topic. Questions have been suggested by health professionals, website feedback and requests via email.
- Will having a tunnelled central line stop me from doing my usual activities?
- Can I have a bath with a central line in place?
- How is the central line taken out?
Will having a tunnelled central line stop me from doing my usual activities?
No, a tunnelled central line won't stop you from doing your usual day-to-day activities. But your doctor will advise you not to swim or do any vigorous gym exercises.
Explanation
A tunnelled central line is a narrow flexible, hollow tube that is placed under the skin of your chest into a vein close to your heart. One end of the line sits outside your body. It's used to give medicines, intravenous fluids and take blood samples. The central line helps to give treatment without the need for repeated injections.
Submerging the line and the exit area in water can damage the line and increase your risk of infection. Vigorous activity can move the position of the line and irritate the exit area.
If the line moves out of position it could cause a blockage. Signs to look out for include:
- pain, redness or swelling in your arm, neck or shoulder (usually on the right)
- chest pain
- breathlessness
Contact the hospital to have the line's position checked, if you catch or pull on it or if you develop any of the above signs.
Further information
- Cancerbackup
0808 800 1234
www.cancerbackup.org.uk
Sources
- Central catheters (Skin-tunnelled venous catheters). Cancerbackup. www.cancerbackup.org.uk, accessed 16 April 2008
- Care of your central venous catheter. Christie Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. www.christie.nhs.uk, accessed 24 April 2008
- McGee DC, Gould MK. Preventing complications of central venous catheterization. N Engl J Med 2003; 348(12):1123-1133
Can I have a bath with a central line in place?
No, you shouldn't have a bath if you have a central line fitted. You should have a shower, instead.
Explanation
A tunnelled central line is a narrow flexible, hollow tube that is placed under the skin of your chest into a vein close to your heart. One end of the line sits outside your body. The central line is used to give chemotherapy, fluids, blood or other medicines directly into your bloodstream and take blood samples without the need for repeated injections.
Submerging the line and the exit area in water can damage the line and increase your risk of infection. Because of this your doctor will usually advise you not to have a bath but use the shower instead. Your doctor will also advise you not to go swimming for the same reasons.
You will need to take special care of the exit area and keep it clean to prevent infection. The line or the exit area can become infected. An infection can be treated with antibiotics but sometimes the line may need to be removed. You must contact the hospital or your GP if you develop any of the following symptoms:
- high temperature
- pain and swelling around the exit site
These symptoms can suggest you have developed an infection.
Further information
- Cancerbackup
0808 800 1234
www.cancerbackup.org.uk
Sources
- Central catheters (Skin-tunnelled venous catheters). Cancerbackup. www.cancerbackup.org.uk, accessed 16 April 2008
- Care of your central venous catheter. Christie Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. www.christie.nhs.uk, accessed 24 April 2008
- Central venous lines: Quick reference guide. Nursing Standard 1999; 13(42)
- McGee DC, Gould MK. Preventing complications of central venous catheterization. N Engl J Med 2003; 348(12):1123-1133
How is the central line taken out?
When the central line is no longer needed, your doctor will take it out under local anaesthesia.
Explanation
A tunnelled central line is a narrow flexible, hollow tube that is placed under the skin of your chest into a vein close to your heart. One end of the line sits outside your body. A small cuff on the line just beneath the skin helps to keep it in position.
When the central line is no longer needed, your doctor will release the cuff from under your skin and remove the line. A local anaesthetic is injected to numb the area around the cuff and a small cut is made into your skin to reach the cuff and release it. The line is then gently pulled out through the exit site. Pressure is applied to the exit area to stop bleeding and the skin cuts are closed with stitches.
Dissolvable stitches will disappear on their own in seven to 10 days. Non-dissolvable stitches are removed a week after the procedure.
Further information
- Cancerbackup
0808 800 1234
www.cancerbackup.org.uk
Sources
- Central catheters (Skin-tunnelled venous catheters). Cancerbackup. www.cancerbackup.org.uk, accessed 16 April 2008
- Care of your central venous catheter. Christie Hospital NHS Foundation Trust. www.christie.nhs.uk, accessed 24 April 2008
- Central venous lines: Quick reference guide. Nursing Standard 1999; 13(42)
- McGee DC, Gould MK. Preventing complications of central venous catheterization. N Engl J Med 2003; 348(12):1123-1133
Related topics
This information was published by Bupa's health information team and is based on reputable sources of medical evidence. It has been peer reviewed by Dr Tim Cripps DM, FRCP, Consultant Cardiologist, specialist in Electrophysiology, Bristol Royal Infirmary, and by Bupa doctors. The content is intended for general information only and does not replace the need for personal advice from a qualified health professional.
Publication date: November 2008
Tunnelled central line factsheet
Visit the tunnelled central line health factsheet for more information.
Rate this page
