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Treatment and the treatment process

Catheter through the neck

For chemotherapy, transfusions and frequent blood tests, a catheter is often placed in a large vein. This topic explains what a neck catheter in the internal jugular vein is, how it is placed and how it is cared for.

Last updated: ~3 min read
A translucent view of the neck and chest on a dark navy background: a thin catheter following the glowing blue jugular vein toward the heart.
Figure 1.The catheter runs from a neck vein to near the heart.

01Short answer

A neck catheter is a type of central venous catheter: a thin, soft tube is inserted into the internal jugular vein in the neck, and its tip sits in a large vein near the heart. Chemotherapy, blood and platelets, antibiotics and fluids are given through it, and blood is taken for tests, without a needle each time. It is placed under local anaesthetic, usually with ultrasound guidance, and its position is then checked by X-ray. It is usually used for a few weeks, especially in the first phase of treatment for acute leukemia. The main risks are infection, clots and the catheter moving. Care means clean hands, a dry covered dressing and regular flushing.

02Simple explanation

Why is it needed? Some chemotherapy drugs irritate small veins. In a large vein, blood flows fast and the drug is diluted quickly.

Why the neck? The internal jugular vein is large, close to the skin and easy to see on ultrasound, so the catheter can be placed safely and quickly.

What does it look like? A thin tube with one to three ends comes out of the neck, covered by a clear dressing. Each end has its own cap.

How long does it stay? Usually from a few days to a few weeks. If access is needed for longer, a tunnelled chest catheter or a port may be chosen.

03Scientific explanation

Placement: according to CRUK and CDC guidance, central venous catheters are placed under sterile conditions with ultrasound guidance, which lowers the risk of hitting an artery or injuring the lung (pneumothorax). The tip position is checked by X-ray afterwards.

Preventing infection: according to the CDC, cleaning the skin with chlorhexidine, changing the clear dressing at set intervals, scrubbing connectors with alcohol and removing an unneeded catheter promptly reduce catheter-related bloodstream infection.

Clots: according to MedlinePlus, a clot can form inside a catheter that is not flushed. Your team sets the flushing schedule.

04What happens in the body?

How is it done?

You lie on your back with your head turned slightly to one side. The skin is cleaned and covered with a sterile drape, and the area is numbed. The doctor finds the vein with ultrasound and places the catheter. This usually takes 20–40 minutes. The catheter is then secured to the skin with a stitch or a special fixing device.

An ultrasound screen showing a vein and artery cross-section, with a probe on a clean towel beside it.
Figure 3.Ultrasound helps find the vein safely.

In daily life

You can move your head freely but avoid sudden tugs. Protect the dressing from water in the shower; no baths or swimming. Take care that the catheter does not catch when dressing.

A steel tray with a clear dressing, a chlorhexidine applicator, sterile gloves and catheter caps.
Figure 2.A sterile dressing protects against infection.

How is it removed?

Lying down, the stitch is removed and the catheter is gently pulled out. The site is pressed for a few minutes and covered. It is usually quick and only mildly uncomfortable. Follow the nurse’s breathing instructions so that no air gets in.

05The catheter journey

From placement to care.

Explanation — Why and how; consent.1ExplanationWhy and how; consent.
Ultrasound — The vein is found safely.2UltrasoundThe vein is found safely.
X-ray — The tip position is checked.3X-rayThe tip position is checked.
Care — Dressing and flushing.4CareDressing and flushing.
MedicinesGiven without needles.
TestsBlood taken from the line.
RiskWatch for infection.

06Neck catheter at a glance

QuestionAnswer
Where is it placed?The internal jugular vein in the neck
Where is the tip?In a large vein near the heart
How long does it stay?Usually days to a few weeks
Main risksInfection, clot, moving out of place
Can I shower?Yes, if the dressing is protected; no baths or swimming
Who flushes it?A healthcare worker

* Your team will explain the rules for your catheter.

07Key terms

Central venous catheter
A long thin tube with its tip in a large vein.
Internal jugular vein
A large vein in the neck.
Pneumothorax
Air getting between the lung and the chest wall.
Flushing
Cleaning the inside of the catheter with saline.
Non-tunnelled catheter
A short-term catheter placed without a tunnel under the skin.

08Key points

  • A neck catheter gives needle-free access to a large vein.
  • It is placed with ultrasound guidance.
  • The tip position is checked by X-ray.
  • It is usually short- to medium-term.
  • The dressing must stay dry and covered.
  • Call straight away with fever or redness.

09Frequently asked questions

Does placing the catheter hurt?

With local anaesthetic you usually feel only pressure and brief discomfort. There may be mild soreness for a day or two.

Can I sleep with the catheter?

Yes. Try not to press hard on the catheter side.

What if the catheter comes out?

Press the site with a clean cloth, lie down and call your team immediately.

Why did I get a neck catheter rather than a port?

At the start of acute leukemia treatment, fast access with several channels is needed. The long-term plan may change later.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Does placing the catheter hurt?

  2. Can I sleep with the catheter?

  3. What if the catheter comes out?

  4. Why did I get a neck catheter rather than a port?

My questions

12Sources

  1. Cancer Research UK. Central lines
  2. MedlinePlus. Central venous catheter - flushing
  3. MedlinePlus. Central venous catheters - ports
  4. Macmillan Cancer Support. Central lines for chemotherapy and other drugs
  5. Cancer Research UK. Central lines
  6. CDC. Guidelines for the Prevention of Intravascular Catheter-Related Infections
  7. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Follow-Up Medical Care
  8. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Targeted Therapy to Treat Cancer
  9. American Cancer Society. Typical Treatment of Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia
  10. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Side Effects of Cancer Treatment
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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