It is a long tube entered from peripheral veins till it reaches the central veins around the heart. It has triple lumens, the proximal one for taking blood samples for medical examination and blood administration, the medial lumen for total parenteral nutrition, and the distal lumen for medication.

Uses of Triple lumen central venous catheter: For administration of hyperosmolar solutions, measuring CVP, haemodialysis, plasmapheresis, rapid infusion of fluid among other uses, chemotherapy.

It may cause some complications such as: blood clotting, haemolysis, infection, neurological effect and catheter clogging.

It takes about an hour for catheter installation and there is no need to stay in the hospital after that. You will feel a slight pain and it will relieve within a few days.

How to take care of the catheter after installation:

• Don't carry heavy things.
• Cover it before taking a shower.
• Don't measure your blood pressure from the arm the catheter entered from.
• Wash it with saline solution every week to avoid clogging.