Consumer Information

Tunneled Central Lines Child

GENERAL INFORMATION:

A tunneled central line is a type of catheter (kath-uh-ter). A catheter is a small flexible plastic tube. The catheter is put in and tunneled a short distance under your child's skin.Your child's doctor may put the catheter into a vein near your child's neck. A vein is a tube that moves blood through your child's body.
Where the catheter comes out of the skin, there may be up to 3 small catheter tails (tubes) hanging out. These tails may have caps and clamps on them. With a central line, your child may have blood taken for tests and get IV medicines. Having a central line may keep your child from being stuck with a needle many times.

Why does my child need a tunneled central line? Tunneled central lines are used for long term medicines and treatments. They may stay in for several months. Catheters are often put in if your child has to get IV medicines at home. In an emergency, medicine works faster when given through a central line. The following are medicines and treatments your child may have through a tunneled central line:

Blood.
Chemotherapy (kee-mo-thair-uh-p): This is medicine to treat cancer.
Blood sample collection.
Total Parenteral (pair-en-ter-uhl) Nutrition (TPN): This is a special liquid food that goes into your child's vein.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your child's care. To help with this plan, you must learn about central lines. You can then discuss choices with your child's caregivers. Work with them to decide what choices may be best for your child.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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