Final answer:
Central venous catheters are inserted into central veins like the subclavian, internal jugular, or femoral veins and are used for treatments such as chemotherapy; however, they carry a risk of infection.
Step-by-step explanation:
Central venous catheters can be inserted into various central veins for the purpose of long-term administration of medications, fluids, or for hemodynamic monitoring. The common insertion sites for these catheters include the subclavian vein, internal jugular vein, and the femoral vein. These accesses are crucial for treatments like chemotherapy, as they administer medication directly into the bloodstream. Vascular surgeons, who specialize in the vascular system, are trained to perform these procedures after extensive education and training. Despite the life-saving nature of these devices, they can be associated with risks such as catheter-related bloodstream infections, leading to significant morbidity and mortality rates. It is thus essential that these accesses are managed with strict aseptic techniques and monitored for any signs of infection.