What are the three main types of CVADs?

• A. Centrally inserted catheters, peripherally inserted central catheters (PICCs), implanted ports
• B. Arterial lines, dialysis catheters, peripheral IVs
• C. Umbilical catheters, External jugular lines, Subclavian lines
• D. Central venous stents, venous grafts, arterial lines

Answer: (A)

Central venous access devices are used when long-term or frequent venous access is needed, and they fall into three broad categories. First are centrally inserted catheters, which are placed into a large central vein (such as the internal jugular or subclavian) and may exit externally or be tunneled for long-term use. Second are peripherally inserted central catheters, or PICCs, which start in a peripheral vein but have their tip positioned in a central vein, giving central access with a peripheral entry point. Third are implanted ports (port-a-caths), which sit under the skin and connect to a central vein via a catheter, with access achieved through a needle inserted through the skin.

This framework distinguishes CVADs by where the device is inserted and how access is maintained. The other options mix lines that aren’t CVADs or describe sites and devices that aren’t part of the three main categories.