Where should a central venous catheter be inserted for proper placement?

For optimal placement of a central venous catheter, the preferred insertion sites are the subclavian or jugular veins. These locations offer several advantages, including easier access to large central veins, a straighter pathway to the heart, and reduced risk of complications, such as pneumothorax or arterial puncture, which can occur with other sites.

When a central venous catheter is placed in the subclavian or jugular vein, it provides direct access to the superior vena cava, allowing for effective administration of medications, fluid management, and monitoring of central venous pressure. These sites also have less potential for infection compared to peripheral access points, enhancing patient safety during long-term therapy.

Choosing these veins helps ensure that the catheter tip ends up in the correct anatomical position, which is crucial for the efficiency of the therapeutic interventions that central venous catheters are used for, such as in patients requiring long-term medication or fluid administration.