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Jan 11 2011, 1:21 PM EST (current) AndyC 14 words added, 3 words deleted
Mar 4 2008, 9:10 PM EST M.J.Fuller 7 words added, 9 words deleted

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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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