[Central venous access in adults]. / Centralvenøse adgange hos voksne.

Central venous catheters (CVC) are most commonly used in patients undergoing major surgery, patients admitted to the intensive care unit and in haematological and oncological departments. The placement of a CVC allows life saving and life prolonging treatment. The choice of catheter depends on the disease of the patient, catheter requirement, intended treatment, local preferences and expected period of use. Complications associated with CVC can be severe and potentially life threatening. The incidence of infectious/thrombotic complications and catheter dysfunction increases with the number of indwelling days.