Central Line Complications

Whether on insertion or post-insertion, central lines carry some degree of risk for the patient. These risks can cause mortality and morbidity, such as air embolism, pneumothorax, hemothorax, arterial puncture, thrombosis and infection. As clinicians, it’s important to understand such risks to minimize negative consequences. This presentation will review central line risks, patient assessment, guidelines and clinical literature. It will also discuss specific factors to consider in device selection and central line placement that promote the best patient outcomes possible.