Complications
The possible complication to be named with priority is an infection of the central venous catheter. Since the end of the catheter is located directly in front of the heart and thus centrally in the bloodstream, an infection quickly leads to germ transfer via the bloodstream. The consequence is usually a so-called sepsis (blood poisoning), which is often accompanied by fever.
In addition, the blood pressure can drop and even lead to cardiovascular failure (septic shock). In addition to permanent organ damage, sepsis can lead to death in the worst case. However, in the case of a central nervous system infection, this is usually recognized quickly and a serious course can usually be averted by quickly initiating countermeasures.
In addition to the infection, there are other, rarer possible complications when a central venous catheter is inserted. These include, for example, an injury to the vein wall. Likewise, nerve damage can occur as a result of the needle being inserted.
The lung and lung fur can also be punctured.If air enters the lung gap between the organ and the chest wall, the lung may collapse (pneumothorax). In addition, an incorrect position of the central venous valve can lead to cardiac arrhythmia. However, this can be prevented by a routine position control of the catheter.
Another possible complication is air embolism. Here, air enters the bloodstream via one of the access routes. The air bubbles block the vessels (e.g. pulmonary vessels).
Duration
The length of time that a central venous catheter remains in the body varies. As long as the access is needed and there are no signs of infection, the central venous catheter can remain. However, as soon as signs of infection become apparent, for example due to an increased body temperature, the catheter must be removed as quickly as possible.
As soon as the central venous catheter is no longer needed (for example, because the patient can again take medication and fluid naturally), it should also be removed rather than left unnecessarily. In principle, a central venous catheter is only a medium-term solution for a venous access. In the event that drugs have to be administered directly into the circulation over a longer period of time, for example during chemotherapy, possible alternatives should be considered.
For example, there is the possibility of creating a port. This is also a catheter that is pushed into the upper vena cava. However, the connection point of the freely accessible end is implanted under the skin and can be punctured if necessary.
