A central venous catheter (CVC), also known as a central line, is a long, thin, flexible tube placed in a large vein in the neck, chest, or groin to administer medications or fluids, obtain blood samples, and monitor the central venous pressure. CVCs are typically placed in the subclavian, internal jugular, or femoral veins by an interventional radiologist, cardiologist, surgeon, or intensivist.
