[Displacements and complications of superior vena cava catheter (author's transl)]

During a 16-months prospective study the frequency of displacements and complications of superior vena catheter has been investigated. The study showed, that the right jugular catheter has the lowest frequency of complications, and should be of primary choice. Pneumothoraces are rare with jugular vena catheters (0,05%), more frequently with subclavian catheters. Setting of superior vena catheter displacement in large veins is quite common. More important are catheter displacements in small veins, which are more frequent with jugular than with subclavian vena catheter (vena thoracica interna, vena pericardiacophrenica). Adequate X-ray control (high KV technic, sufficient amount of contrast medium) is necessary to recognize these complications. Correction of displaced catheter should be done under fluoroscopy. Serious complications s.e. tension pneumothorax and haematothorax are rare and should be treated surgically. In some cases no recognized extravasal catheterposition is followed by infusions into the pleural cavity or the mediastinum.