Assessment of patients requiring i.v. therapy via a central venous route

In the past, problems associated with the prolonged maintenance of a patient with a central venous catheter (CVC), inserted for the administration of antibiotics, chemotherapy, intravenous (i.v.) fluid replacement of i.v. alimentation, have limited the duration that such catheters can remain in situ. This article highlights the necessity for and increasing importance of accurate patient assessment before catheter insertion for the long-term care and maintenance of individual i.v. devices. CVCs that may once have had a limited lifespan as a result of thrombosis, infection and eventual lack of suitable venous access, are increasingly being maintained in a satisfactory functional condition for long periods, ranging from many months to years.