CERTAIN HAZARDS OF CENTRAL VENOUS CATHETER

Three patients who developed complications of central venous catheterization are presented, specifically, catheter segment embolization, perforation of the catheter tip into the mediastinum and arrhythmia most likely related to intraatrial positioning of a large bore cannula to the region of the conduction system. The latter complication has not previously been reported. The mechanisms by which these complications occurred are discussed and certain precautionary measures are outlined. © 1969, Sage Publications. All rights reserved.