Complication rates of central venous catheters: A systematic review and meta-analysis (4 March 2024)

Summary

This systematic review and meta-analysis in JAMA Internal Medicine aimed to assess the rates of complications from central venous catheter (CVC) use. The authors found that rates of complications varied substantially across studies, but on average, the rate of serious complications (arterial cannulation, pneumothorax, infection or deep vein thrombosis) from a CVC placed for three days was estimated to be 30 events per 1000 catheters placed (3%). Use of ultrasonography was associated with lower rates of immediate insertion-related complications.

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