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[Venous thrombosis caused by central catheters. Phlebographic study of 41 cases]
Insights
Central venous catheters rarely cause venous thrombosis (8% in this study). A fibrin sheath forms on catheters, and thrombosis involves the venous entry point.
Area of Science:
- Vascular Surgery
- Radiology
- Infectious Disease
Background:
- Central venous catheters are crucial for patient care.
- Literature suggests a high incidence of venous thrombosis associated with central catheters.
- Understanding catheter-related complications is vital for patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence of venous thrombosis in patients with central venous catheters.
- To characterize the phlebographic findings associated with central catheter use.
Main Methods:
- A twofold phlebographic study was performed on 41 central catheters in 37 patients.
- Methods included classic angiography of central veins and contrast injection during catheter withdrawal under fluoroscopy.
Main Results:
- Only 3 out of 37 patients (8%) showed positive results for venous thrombosis.
- A fibrin sheath was observed along the entire catheter length in all cases.
- Thrombosis, when present, consistently involved the catheter's entry point into the central venous system.
Conclusions:
- The incidence of central venous catheter-related thrombosis may be lower than previously reported.
- Fibrin sheath formation is a common finding, but not always indicative of thrombosis.
- The catheter-venous entry site is a critical area for monitoring potential thrombosis.
Abstract:
Forty-one central catheters placed in 37 patients were subjected to a twofold phlebographic study - classic angiography of the main veins, and injection of a radio-opaque fluid while withdrawing the catheter under fluoroscopy. Although data from the literature shows a high incidence of venous thrombosis due to central catheters, we only found 3 positive results in our series of 37 patients (8%). A fibrin sheath develops along the entire length of the catheter, and, in cases of thrombosis, the point at which the catheter penetrates the central venous system is always involved.