Infectious complications of percutaneously inserted central venous catheters

The frequency of early and late complications of percutaneously inserted central venous catheters (CVC) was prospectively assessed. One hundred and fifty-one periods of catheterization (siliconized and heparinized polyethylene and teflon catheters), inserted mainly infraclavicularly and on the right side, were evaluated. Strict aseptic technique was used during insertion and daily care of the CVC. The only early complications noted were three cases of pneumothorax. No nerve injuries or arterial punctures were observed. Of 124 evaluated cases (96 arm-phlebography, 28 post-mortem) 16% developed thrombosis, and in one patient this probably resulted in fatal pulmonary embolism. Septicaemia was seldom seen: two cases were considered as proved and another two cases as probable. This study and other studies indicate that an aseptic technique is essential and perhaps even more important than using tunnelled versus percutaneously inserted catheters in respect of reducing infectious complications of central venous catheters.