central venous catheter (CVC)

A central venous catheter (CVC) is a flexible tube inserted into a large vein, usually in the neck, chest, or groin, to provide direct access to the bloodstream. It allows healthcare providers to deliver medications, fluids, or nutrients quickly and efficiently, especially when long-term treatment is needed. CVCs are also used to monitor pressures in the heart or take blood samples. They are carefully placed by healthcare professionals under sterile conditions to reduce infection risk and are typically used in hospitals for patients requiring intensive or ongoing medical care.