[Complications of central venous and indwelling catheterization]

Complications on Hickman central venous catheter and venous access ports Hickman central venous catheter and venous access ports are widely used in patients with hematology or oncology disorders. However, these long-term venous access devices can be the source of several kinds of complications that may compromise the functional and/or vital patient's prognosis. All these complications must be known, diagnosed, treated and prevented. If there is no consensus concerning the prevention of catheter-related thrombosis, various methods are now available to diagnose, treat and prevent device-related bloodstream infections. Extravasation of corrosive drugs represents a very serious complication of long-term venous access devices. The surgical technique that uses early subcutaneous wash-out in acute extravasation injuries is simple and safe; it helps to reduce the severe sequelae of highly toxic drug extravasation for the patient.