[Malpositions and complications following central venous catheterization in relation to the access site]

Abstract

Malpositions and complications following central venous catheterization largely depend on the site of venous approach. Malpositions are very common after subclavian vein catheterization, and even more common after left jugular vein catheterization. On the contrary, their incidence after right jugular puncture is very low. Among complications, pneumothorax is quite common after subclavian vein catheterization, and migration of the catheter towards the heart after right jugular puncture. Vascular damages may occur in any approach: their early detection on chest radiographs very much depends on a rigorous technique. Radiology plays an important role in the early detection of malpositions and complications, which is greatly facilitated by a few ml of contrast medium injected through the catheter.