Tunneled Central Line (Tunneled Central Venous Catheter)

What is a tunneled central line?

A tunneled central line (also called a tunneled central venous catheter) is a catheter (thin tube) that is placed under the skin in a vein, allowing long-term access to the vein. It is most commonly placed in the neck (internal jugular) but may also be placed in the groin (femoral), liver (transhepatic), chest (subclavian) or back (translumbar).

A small incision is made where the catheter is placed into the vein. This is called the “insertion site.” It is then tunneled under the skin and brought out at an “exit site.” Small bandage tapes, called Steri-Strips® are placed over the insertion site. The catheter may also have a few stitches at the exit site to hold it in place. The exit site is covered by a sterile (germ-free) dressing. 

The catheter is tunneled under the skin. It contains a “cuff” attached to it that allows your child’s tissue to grow around the cuff to anchor it and decrease the chance that it will be pulled out. The cuff also acts as a barrier to keep germs out of the body.  

The central line may have 1, 2, or 3 outside openings called lumens. These lumens are used to give medicines, fluids, blood products, or may be used to draw blood samples. You will need to provide special care for your child’s central line when they are not in the hospital.

central venous catheter illustration

What is a tunneled central line used for?

Tunneled central lines are used when we need access to a vein over a long period of time (anywhere from two weeks to several months). Some medications can’t be given through regular IV lines and require frequent, painful needle insertions. A tunneled central line is a more comfortable way for your child to receive medications such as chemotherapy or nutrition and fluids, and also allows the medical team to obtain blood samples without placing a new IV.

How is a tunneled central line inserted?

Using ultrasound and live X-ray (fluoroscopy) for guidance, the doctor will insert the catheter into a vein, usually in the neck, and thread it into the large vein that carries blood into the heart. The other end of the catheter is tunneled under the skin and exits from the side of the chest. Your child will be protected by an X-ray shield during the procedure. An X-ray will be taken to be certain that the central line is in the correct place before it is used.

Will my child be awake during the procedure?

No. The procedure will be performed with IV sedation or general anesthesia.

Will my child feel any pain?

After the procedure, some children may feel mild discomfort around the site for several days.

How long does the procedure take?

Approximately one hour.

What risks are associated with this procedure?

This procedure is considered low-risk. However, potential complications include:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Puncture of adjacent structures (such as other veins or arteries)
  • Air embolism (air in the veins)
  • Collapse of the lung (pneumothorax)
  • Bleeding into the chest (hemothorax)
  • Catheter breakage (when it is being removed)
  • Allergic reaction to X-ray dye (contrast reaction)

When can I remove the bandages?

Your child will have two bandages, one over the insertion site (usually at the neck), and a sterile dressing over the catheter at the exit site (usually on the side of the chest). After 48 hours you may remove part of the bandage at the insertion site. Take off the gauze and the clear bandage. The Steri-Strips (white strips) shouldn’t be removed. Allow them to curl up and fall off on their own. If they have not fallen off after seven days, you may remove them.

The bandage over the catheter must remain clean and dry at all times. It should be changed once a week. The bandage may be changed at appointments or family members may change it at home if they have been trained to do so. Do not remove the bandage if you have not been trained.

When can my child bathe after the catheter is placed?

Your child shouldn’t take a shower or bath for 48 hours, until you have removed the bandage at the insertion site.

After that, your child may shower or bathe with the catheter-site bandage in place. If showering, your child should face away from the spray so water does not hit the catheter directly. If taking a bath, keep the bandage above the water. The clear tape is water resistant, but not waterproof.

Are there any activity restrictions?

After the tunneled central line is inserted, your child will be able to resume most activities, including day care or school. Your child should be discouraged from activities, such as contact sports and rough playing, which may result in a pull to the line and lead to damage or loss of the catheter. If you have questions about which activities are OK, please ask your child’s doctor.

How is a tunneled central line removed?

The procedure is performed with IV sedation or general anesthesia. Local numbing medicine will be injected into the skin around the catheter exit site (usually on the chest). The tissue will be loosened and the catheter removed.

When can I remove the bandage after the catheter is removed?

The bandage must stay in place for 48 hours. Then you may remove the gauze and clear bandage. The Steri-Strips (white strips) should not be removed. It is safe for the incision to be open to air while the Steri-Strips are falling off. If the Steri-Strips haven’t fallen off after seven days, you may remove them.

Once the incision has healed and the Steri-Strips have fallen off, there is no need to place any type of dressing or covering over the site.

When can my child bathe after the tunneled central line is removed?

Your child shouldn’t take a shower or bath for 48 hours, until you have removed the gauze and clear tape. After that baths and showers are OK. If showering, your child should face away from the spray so water does not hit the site directly. If taking a bath, your child should keep the site above the water. Once the Steri-Strips have fallen off your child may shower or bathe as usual.


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