Having a central line is an increasingly common option for people who are going to have chemotherapy that would normally require a lot of injections and blood tests.

A central line is a thin flexible silicone tube, the tip of which is placed in one of the large veins deep in the chest (the superior vena cava). The line is put in under either a local or a general anaesthetic. The outside end of the line is on the chest, just above one or other nipple. It then tracks under the skin for a little way before going into a large vein just behind the collar bone. From there it goes into the superior vena cava. Apart from a stiff shoulder and some local soreness for a day or two after its insertion the line should be quite painless. Once it is in place the line is either stitched or taped firmly to the chest to stop it coming out of the vein.

Sometimes the line is not brought out onto the skin of the chest but ends in a device called a Portacath. This lies hidden just under the skin and provides access to the line.

There are different makes of central examples of some of the makes are Hickman® or Groshong® lines.

The central line can be used for taking blood for blood tests, giving chemotherapy drugs or giving blood transfusions.

Once the line is in place nurses will show you how to take care of it, to prevent any blockages or infections. This will involve learning how to clean the external part of the line, change the dressings and flush the line through with sterile salt solution. This may sound complicated at first but the nurses will explain it all and make sure you are able to cope. They will also give you a contact 'phone number at the hospital in case you have any problems.