Catheter-related thrombosis

The use of indwelling central catheters for administration of chemotherapy, blood products, and parenteral nutrition is becoming increasingly common. Thrombosis, manifested as formation of either a fibrin sleeve around the catheter or a thrombus adherent to the vessel wall, is a major complication of the use of such catheters. Although frequently asymptomatic, thrombosis may cause catheter occlusion, vascular obstruction, septic phlebitis, or pulmonary embolism. The pathophysiology and management of catheter thrombosis are discussed.