Preventing complications of central venous catheterization.

Central venous catheters permit the measurement of hemodynamic variables that cannot be measured accurately by noninvasive means. They also allow delivery of medications and nutritional support. More than 15 percent of patients, however, have a serious mechanical, infectious, or thrombotic complication related to the use of a central venous catheter. This review explains strategies for minimizing the frequency of such complications. An accompanying video shows techniques for catheter insertion by the internal jugular and subclavian routes.