What type of catheters are surgically inserted into subcutaneous tissue and can remain for months to years?

Tunneled central venous catheters are designed for long-term use and are surgically inserted into the subcutaneous tissue. The tunneling aspect allows them to be placed in a way that minimizes the risk of infection and allows for extended periods of use, often ranging from months to years. They are particularly beneficial for patients requiring frequent access to the venous system for treatments such as chemotherapy, total parenteral nutrition, or long-term blood draws.

The tunneling technique involves placing the catheter through a small incision and then tunneling it under the skin to its entry point, which helps protect the catheter from external contaminants. This design also affords comfort to the patient as the external portion of the catheter is secured at a distance from the insertion site.

While other options exist for venous access, they do not possess the same duration capability or have significant differences in their placement and potential complications compared to tunneled catheters. For instance, nontunneled catheters, while useful for short-term access, are not ideally suited for long-term use due to a higher risk of infection and less stability. External venous access devices and Port-a-caths also provide methods for vascular access, but Port-a-caths, in particular, refer to