Complications of Central Lines

Complications of using central lines are Bleeding around the entry site and surrounding tissues Infection Thrombosis Lines can become tortuous and tie in knots Pneumothorax Pneumothorax (for central lines placed in the chest) - this is why doctors routinely order a chest X-ray (CXR) after insertion of a subclavian or internal jugular line. Infection - All catheters can introduce bacteria into the bloodstream, but CVCs are known for occasionally causing Staphylococcus aureus and Staphylococcus epidermidis sepsis. Patients with a central line and fever with no obvious cause of the fever may have catheter-related sepsis. Lines are removed when no longer required, or removed routinely every seven days to reduce the risk of infection. If a patient develops a temperature unexpectedly, the central lines are changed immediately. ◄... go back to Central Lines homepage ◄... go back to General Radiography homepage