These are placed when dialysis needs to be initiated urgently or access fails. Central lines can be used right away but are not considered permanent. They can become clogged and stop working and sometimes cause infection. They can also cause central vein thrombosis (clotting).

Central venous catheters are positioned into the deep veins of the upper chest for the purpose of pulling and returning blood to and from the dialysis machine. Central venous catheters are usually inserted through a neck vein, and may be tunneled so as to exit the skin below the collarbone.

The veins through which the central venous catheter passes are at risk for clotting. For these reasons, unless dialysis is expected to be temporary, permanent dialysis access should replace central venous catheters as soon as possible.