Complications of using central lines are

• Bleeding around the entry site and surrounding tissues
  
• Infection
• Thrombosis
  
• Lines can become tortuous and tie in knots
• Pneumothorax

Pneumothorax (for central lines placed in the chest) - this is why doctors routinely order a chest X-ray (CXR) after insertion of a subclavian or internal jugular line.

Infection - All catheters can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream, but CVCs are known for occasionally causing Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis sepsis. Patients with a central line and fever with no obvious cause of the fever may have catheter-related sepsis.

Lines are removed when no longer required, or removed routinely every seven days to reduce the risk of infection. If a patient develops a temperature unexpectedly, the central lines are changed immediately.


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