What is the major advantage of using a tunneled catheter?

The major advantage of using a tunneled catheter is its suitability for long-term use. Tunneled catheters are designed to remain in place for extended periods, often for weeks or even months, making them ideal for patients requiring ongoing intravenous therapy, such as those undergoing chemotherapy or patients with chronic conditions needing frequent access to the bloodstream.

The catheter is inserted into a vein and tunneled subcutaneously to emerge at a different site on the skin, which not only allows for prolonged use but also minimizes the risk of infection at the insertion site compared to non-tunneled options. This design can improve patient comfort by providing a stable access point for repeated treatments while reducing the need for frequent needle sticks, which is particularly beneficial for patients with difficult venous access.

In contrast, the other options are less relevant when considering the primary function of tunneled catheters. For instance, while their removal may not be overly complex, they are specifically designed for long-term access, so ease of removal does not translate to the primary advantage. Additionally, the cost may be higher initially due to the materials and insertion procedure involved, and immediate administration is typically more associated with short-term catheters used for quick, temporary access.