Central venous catheterization

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Background

Central venous catheters(CVCs) are often required to establish venous access in critically ill patients in order to administer rapid fluid resuscitation, blood products, and vasopressors. The sites of insertion fall into three locations: Internal jugular (IJ), subclavian, and femoral. The major complications of concern include: catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBI), DVT, and mechanical complications (e.g. pneumothorax and arterial puncture).

The 3SITES Trial study, a multicenter randomized trial, investigated the complications of the three anatomic sites for CVC insertion in relation to blood stream infections or DVTs. Although subclavian lines appear to have a lower infection rate, there is greater incidence of mechanical complications.

Types

Depths

  • All +/- 2 cm
  • Right IJ - 13 cm or height (cm)/10
  • Right subclavian - 15 cm or height (cm)/10 - 2cm
  • Left IJ - 15 cm or height (cm)/10 + 4cm
  • Left subclavian - 17 cm or height (cm) + 2cm

Indications

  • Central venous pressure monitoring
  • Administration of multiple medications and drips
  • High volume/flow resuscitation[citation needed]
  • Emergency venous access
  • Inability to obtain peripheral venous access
  • Repetitive blood sampling
  • Administering hyperalimentation, vasopressors, caustic agents, or other concentrated fluids
  • Insertion of transvenous cardiac pacemakers
  • Hemodialysis or plasmapheresis
  • Insertion of pulmonary artery catheters

Contraindications

Absolute[1]

  • Infection over the placement site
  • Anatomic obstruction (thrombosis of target vein, other anatomic variance)
  • Site-specific
    • Subclavian - trauma/fracture to ipsilateral clavicle or proximal ribs

Relative

  • Coagulopathy (see below)
  • Distortion of landmarks by trauma or congenital anomalies
  • Prior vessel injury or procedures
  • Morbid obesity
  • Uncooperative/combative patient

Central line if coagulopathic

  • Preferentially use a compressible site such as the femoral location (avoid the IJ and subclavian if possible, though IJ preferred over subclavian)
  • No benefit to giving FFP unless artery is punctured[2]

Flow Rates

Flow rate depends on diameter and length of IV; the Hagen–Poiseuille equation.[4]

PIV

  • 16G IV: 13.2 L/hr
  • 18G IV: 6.0 L/hr
  • 20G IV: 3.6 L/hr

Central Line

Complications

Complications vary by site

Removal

Central Line: Removal

See Also

Vascular access types

References

  1. Graham, A.S., et al. Central Venous Catheterization. N Engl J Med 2007;356:e21
  2. Fisher NC, Mutimer DJ. Central venous cannulation in patients with liver disease and coagulopathy—a prospective audit. Intens Care Med 1999; 25:5
  3. Morado M.et al. Complications of central venous catheters in patients with haemophilia and inhibitors. Haemophilia 2001; 7:551–556
  4. Vascular Access. In: Marino, P. The ICU Book. 4th, North American Edition. Philadelphia, PA: Wolters Kluwer Health/Lippincott Williams & Wilkins; 2013:3-41