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Central venous catheterization and fatal cardiac tamponade
S A Booth1, B Norton, D A Mulvey
1Department of Anaesthesia, Addenbrooke's Hospital, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 2QQ, UK.
British Journal of Anaesthesia
|August 9, 2001
Abstract:
Cardiac tamponade is a poorly recognized complication of central venous catheterization associated with a high mortality. We present a case of fatal cardiac tamponade after intra- pericardial infusion of total parenteral nutrition in a patient who had two central venous catheters. We suggest that catheter tip position should always be confirmed before use of a catheter. Tamponade should be suspected in a patient who deteriorates when a central venous catheter is used and resuscitation via the catheter should be avoided.