Table 4.

Types, description and features of the three main types of central access devices.

Types of CAD	Description	Features
Tunnelled Catheter	Catheter inserted by tunnelling under the skin into the subclavian or internal jugular vein. The part used to administer or withdraw fluids remains outside the body (e.g. Hickman, Broviac)	Serves for a long period and is adequate for administration of fluids such as chemotherapy, blood products and parenteral feeding.No needle sticks required
Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter (PICC)	Line inserted into a large vein in the arm (hence the name peripheral) and advanced forward into the subclavian vein	Could serve up to 12 months, no needle sticks required, placed at bedsideAssociated with a higher risk of thrombosis which explains their short sustainability
Implantable port (Port-a-cath)	Port placed completely below the skin consisting of a chamber component, raised disk of around 1-inch diameter underneath the skin, and a connected thin flexible tube extending into a major vein. Access is ensured using a special needle, Huber needle, inserted into the chamber on one end, and connected to the syringe or infusion on the other end	Long term patency while maintaining low infection risks