CVC catheter problems

Background

Central venous catheter complications vary by site. Subclavian lines are more commonly associated with pneumothorax and have a higher risk of bleeding because the site is noncompressible, whereas femoral and internal jugular lines have a higher risk of infection.^[1]

Complications

Mechanical

Arterial puncture
Hematoma formation
Air embolus
Pneumothorax/Hemothorax
Pericardial tamponade
Catheter embolus
Dysrhythmias
Catheter malposition

Infectious

Bacteremia
Sepsis
Cellulitis at insertion site

Thrombotic

Pulmonary embolus
Venous thrombosus

Site-Specific

External Links

References

↑ Parienti JJ, Mongardon N, Mégarbane B, et al. Intravascular Complications of Central Venous Catheterization by Insertion Site. N Engl J Med. 2015;373(13):1220–1229. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1500964

Authors:

Alex Gregory

[1] Parienti JJ, Mongardon N, Mégarbane B, et al. Intravascular Complications of Central Venous Catheterization by Insertion Site. N Engl J Med. 2015;373(13):1220–1229. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1500964

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