Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 12, 2026

Point-Of-Care Ultrasound Screening for Proximal Lower Extremity Deep Venous Thrombosis
Published on: February 10, 2023
[Management of catheter-related upper extremity deep vein thrombosis]
B Linnemann1, E Lindhoff-Last1
1Schwerpunkt Angiologie/Hämostaseologie, Klinikum der Goethe-Universität Frankfurt am Main, Deutschland.
Insights
Central venous catheters (CVCs) can cause thrombosis, a serious complication. Management involves anticoagulation therapy and proper CVC placement to prevent future thrombotic events.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Medicine
- Hematology
- Medical Devices
Context:
- Central venous catheters (CVCs) are essential for managing acute and chronic diseases.
- Catheter-related thrombosis (CRT) and occlusions are common, particularly with long-term CVC use.
Purpose:
- This review focuses on the management strategies for catheter-related thrombosis.
- It examines risk factors, diagnostic methods, and treatment protocols for CRT.
Summary:
- Key risk factors for CRT include catheter tip malposition, malignancy, and hypercoagulability.
- CRT is linked to catheter infection, pulmonary embolism, and post-thrombotic syndrome.
- Diagnosis typically involves duplex ultrasound, with treatment including anticoagulation for at least three months.
Impact:
- Effective management of CRT improves patient outcomes and reduces complications associated with CVCs.
- Proper CVC placement and maintenance are crucial for preventing thrombotic events.
- Current guidelines do not recommend anticoagulants for the primary prevention of CRT.
Abstract:
Central venous catheters (CVCs) are important tools in the care of patients with acute or chronic diseases, but catheter-related thrombosis and thrombotic occlusions are frequent complications, especially if CVCs are implanted for long-term use. In this review we focus on the management of these complications. Risk factors for catheter-related thrombosis include dislocation of the catheter tip, the presence of malignant disease and hypercoagulability. Catheter-related thrombosis is associated with catheter infection, pulmonary embolism and post-thrombotic syndrome. Catheter-related thromboses which most frequently involve the subclavian vein are usually diagnosed by duplex ultrasound examination and treated with anticoagulation therapy for a minimum of three months or longer if the catheter is left in place. Prevention of catheter-related thrombotic complications includes proper positioning of the CVC with the catheter tip lying in the proximal superior vena cava and regular flushing of the catheter with saline solution or unfractionated heparin. The use of anticoagulants for primary prevention is currently not recommended.
Related Concept Videos
Venous Thrombosis III: Interprofessional Care
Venous Thrombosis IV: Nursing Management
Pulmonary Embolism III: Nursing Management
Peripheral Artery Disease V: Postoperative Nursing Management
Cardiac Catheterization IV: Nursing Management
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies