<p>This article aims to discuss problems with central venous catheters (CVCs) and offer strategies to assist in preventing their replacement. The article focuses on the most frequent complications of infection and obstruction. Traditional treatment options are presented and endoluminal brushing is introduced as an innovative treatment for retaining CVCs. The expert opinion that follows focuses on CVCs that are used for parenteral nutrition in paediatrics, but the evidence described can also be applied to larger adult catheters.</p>