Central lines and thrombosis

 Q: Subclavian central lines have the lowest rate of venous thrombosis.

A) True

B) False

Answer: A

There are many delayed complications of central lines. One of such complications is venous thrombosis. Subclavian (SC) central lines have the lowest rate of thrombosis. In contrast, femoral lines have the highest rate of thrombosis. On the other hand, SC central lines may lead to superior vena caval syndrome though incidence is pretty low at 1:1000. 

Another known delayed complication of SC central lines is catheter fracture which may lead to endocarditis/sepsis, cardiac arrhythmia or perforation. While removing central line, it should be made certain that all parts of the catheter is removed.

#procedures

References:

1. Kornbau C, Lee KC, Hughes GD, Firstenberg MS. Central line complications. Int J Crit Illn Inj Sci. 2015 Jul-Sep;5(3):170-8. 

2. Kusminsky RE. Complications of central venous catheterization. J Am Coll Surg. 2007 Apr;204(4):681-96. 

3. Deere M, Singh A, Burns B. Central Venous Access of The Subclavian Vein. [Updated 2021 Sep 9]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2021 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482224/