Non-tunneled versus tunneled central venous catheter

The figures illustrate the difference between non-tunneled (A) and tunneled (B) central venous catheters. Tunneled central venous catheters are used long-term and typically include a cuff (see inset) located just cephalad to the skin exit site. The cuff facilitates tissue ingrowth over a two- to three-week period, which anchors the catheter and minimizes bacterial migration from the exit site.