Placement: Inserted directly through the skin into a large central vein (e.g., jugular, subclavian, or femoral vein) at the bedside.
Duration: Intended for short-term use, typically a few days to a couple of weeks (up to 3 weeks), while a patient awaits a more permanent access solution or in cases of acute kidney injury.
Design: It is non-tunneled and does not have a cuff, making it quicker to place but also easier for bacteria to enter the bloodstream.
Infection Risk: Carries a higher risk of infection compared to tunneled catheters due to the direct path from the skin surface to the bloodstream.