Mechanical Complications of Central Venous Catheters

• DOI: 10.1177/0885066605280884
• Publication Date: 2006-05-12T16:19:53Z
• Authors: Lewis A. Eisen; Mangala Narasimhan; Jeffrey S. Berger; Paul H. Mayo; Mark J. Rosen; Roslyn F. Schneider
• Keywords: Hemothorax; Central venous catheter; Subclavian vein; Etiology

We analyzed 385 consecutive central venous catheter (CVC) attempts over a 6-month period. All critically ill patients 18 years of age or older requiring CVC were included. The rate mechanical complications not including failure to place was 14%. Complications included the (n = 86), arterial puncture 18), improper position 14), pneumothorax 5 in 258 subclavian and internal jugular attempts), hematoma 3), hemothorax 1), asystolic cardiac arrest unknown etiology 1). Male had significantly higher complication than female (37% vs 27%, P .04). approach femoral (39% 33% vs. 24%, .02). increased with number percutaneous punctures, 54% when more 2 punctures required.