Final answer:
Central venous catheters can generally remain in place for weeks to months if there are no complications. They are essential for long-term treatment, but carry the risk of serious infections, and should be removed if an infection occurs.
Step-by-step explanation:
Central venous catheters (CVCs) are crucial for the long-term administration of medications or fluids, particularly in patients with difficult vascular access. Nevertheless, the duration that a CVC can remain in place varies depending on several factors including the type of catheter, patient's condition, how well the catheter is cared for, and if there are any complications such as infection. Generally, some types of central venous catheters can be in place for weeks or months as long as they are functioning properly and not causing any complications. The World Health Organization notes that catheter-related bloodstream infections can pose serious risks, and preventive measures must be observed to minimize these risks. In an event of an infection, like the case of Barbara with metastatic inflammatory breast cancer, the catheter should be removed as part of the treatment for the infection.