[Vena cava thrombosis: a rare complication in changing a central venous catheter]

Two cases of complete thrombosis of the superior vena cava are reported as rare complication of changing a catheter in heavily traumatised patients. Thromboses are frequent findings in pathological and radiological examinations, but clinically they become manifest only rarely. If a disease takes a severe course, thrombogenic factors may accumulate. Attention is drawn to the risk implied in changing a catheter especially in situations of marked cardiovascular depression, artificial respiration with a high positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and if there are changes in coagulation physiology. These possible risks must be taken into consideration when performing a routine change of catheters.