Dictionary of Cancer Terms
View in Spanish: Catéter venoso periférico
Peripheral venous catheter (peh-RIH-feh-rul VEE-nus KA-theh-ter)
A small, flexible tube used to deliver fluids into the body. A needle is used to insert the catheter into a vein, usually in the back of the hand or in the forearm. The tubing is then taped to the skin to hold it in place.
Source: National Cancer Institute Dictionary of Cancer Terms, available at www.cancer.gov/dictionary.