Frequently Asked Questions About Central Venous Access Devices (CVADs)

• What is a central venous access device?

  A central venous access device, or CVAD, is a broad term that includes many types of catheters (thin, flexible hollow tubes) that are inserted into and positioned within a vein in the body to deliver therapies into the bloodstream or withdraw blood for testing. It is estimated that 5 million central venous access devices are placed each year in the U.S.

• What types of patients require CVADs?

  • Cancer patients who require frequent administration of chemotherapy agents or blood withdraws
  • Patients with severe infections who require administration of antibiotics
  • Patients who have digestive problems and need to receive nutritional fluids on a regular basis
  • Any critically ill patient who requires frequent blood withdrawal or medication administration

• How is a CVAD inserted?

  The tube is surgically inserted into a vein in the arm or chest, depending on the CVAD's intended use and the length of time it is expected to remain in the body. It is then threaded through the vein until it reaches the superior vena cava, which carries blood from the person's upper body, including the upper trunk, head, neck and arms, into the heart.

• What are the most common complications associated with CVADs?

  Complications of CVAD include occlusions or blockages preventing withdrawal of blood or administration of fluid. These complications can be caused by a kink in the tube, the buildup of sediment or precipitate in the line, or the most common reason, the formation of a blood clot.