MANY CHILDREN WITH BRAIN OR SPINAL CORD TUMORS require intensive treatment, including surgery, chemotherapy, intravenous (IV) fluids, IV antibiotics, blood and platelet transfusions, frequent blood sampling, and sometimes IV nutrition. Venous catheters provide a very effective method for allowing entry into the large veins for intensive therapy. Venous catheters eliminate the difficulty of finding veins for IVs and allow drugs to be put directly into the heart, where they are rapidly diluted and spread throughout the body. They also reduce stress and discomfort for the child by eliminating the need for hundreds of needle sticks.

The three types of venous catheters are: external catheters, subcutaneous ports, and peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC). Other names for a venous catheter include: venous access device, right atrial catheter, implanted catheter, indwelling catheter, central line, Hickman®, Broviac®, PORT-A-CATH®, Medi-port®, and PICC line.