A central venous catheter is used to provide temporary venous access for a period of 1-3 weeks. In the case of insertion into the upper half o the body, the distal end should ideally be located in the cavo-atrial junction after insertion. It is most often introduced into the internal jugular or subclavian vein. Alternatively the femoral vein can be used.

Technique of cannulation:

Cannulation is performed using sets which most commonly use the Seldinger technique.

The site of puncture is usually detected using anatomical landmarks or by ultrasound. The depth and correct position of the guide wire (or catheter) is either blind or ECG-guided (by connecting to the guide wire or through the salt-bridge where the conductor is an electrolytic fluid).