Central venous catheter management in patients with cancer

This article provides a summary on the management of central venous catheters (CVCs) in the person with cancer. The use of CVCs is becoming more commonplace with the emphasis on home-based cancer therapies and the increasing use of high-dose chemotherapy regimens and stem cell rescue. The different types of CVC are examined and the potential complications and nursing management are discussed in this article. Nurses are leading practice in this area, undertaking a holistic assessment of the patient before inserting a CVC that meets their specific medical and personal requirements. A thorough understanding of the use of CVCs, potential complications and patient issues is crucial for sensitive assessment and treatment.