CENTRAL LINE

A little, flexible plastic pipe inserted into the big vein above the heart, generally the subclavian vein, through which access to the blood stream can be made. This allows drugs and blood commodity to be given and blood samples withdrawn painlessly. Some of the catheters have more than one lumen (double or triple) and can be used to administer more than one drug simultaneously. Such catheters can be left in seat for much weeks to months. The main complications are sepsis or infection, and the risk of thrombosis. Synonym: central line.

xanthopuccine xanthorhamnin xanthorhiza xanthorhoea xanthose xanthosine xanthosine 5'-monophosphate xanthosine 5'-triphosphate (1)