Complications Associated With Central Venous Catheters

Common

Carotid artery injury

Bleeding, respiratory compromise,neurologic complications (eg, stroke)

Puncture of pleura or lung

Pneumothorax

Puncture of vein resulting in a leak

Bleeding, extravasation of fluid, hemodynamic compromise

Subclavian, carotid, or femoral artery injury

Bleeding, vascular compromise of an extremity, hemothorax, hemodynamic compromise

Thrombosis

Limb edema

Pulmonary embolism

Less common

Air embolism

Cardiac arrest

Arrhythmias

Cardiac arrest

Brachial plexus injury

Compromise of an extremity

Erosion of catheter

Bleeding, extravasation of fluid, hemodynamic compromise

Infection

Sepsis

Injury to clavicle, rib, or vertebra

Osteomyelitis

Lymphatic injury

Chylothorax

Valvular injury

Endocarditis