What is the major purpose of a Central Venous Catheter (CVC)?

The major purpose of a Central Venous Catheter (CVC) is to facilitate long-term medication use and treatment. CVCs are specifically designed to access large central veins, which allows for the administration of medications, fluids, and blood products that may be irritating to smaller veins. This capability is crucial for patients who require extended intravenous therapy, such as chemotherapy, long-term antibiotics, or total parenteral nutrition.

CVCs also enable healthcare providers to perform frequent blood draws with less trauma to the patient's veins, further advancing their utility in managing complex medical conditions. Their ability to support continuous or intermittent infusion of medications makes them indispensable in settings where long-term treatment is necessary.