Sites of insertion:
(1) subclavian vein
(2) internal jugular vein
(3) femoral vein
Risk factors for complications:
(1) inexperienced operator
(2) multiple attempts
(3) emergency insertion
(4) hyper- or hypocoagulability in the patient
(5) congenital anomaly in blood vessels
(6) post-operative or post-traumatic injury to the region
(7) uncooperative patient, including seizure disorder
(8) caustic or toxic infusate
(9) improper site preparation
(10) improper care of the insertion site
(11) prolonged placement (in which case a Hickman or other catheter is warranted)
(12) selection of an inappropriate catheter
(13) active infection at or near the insertion site
Complications:
(1) traumatic damage to adjacent nerves and soft tissue
(2) infusion of fluids into soft tissue
(3) puncture of an adjacent artery with hemorrhage (internal jugular vein and carotid artery; subclavian vein and artery; femoral artery and vein)
(4) pneumothorax and/or hemothorax
(5) cardiac injury including perforation of the right ventricle with hemopericardium
(6) phlebitis with thrombosis
(7) infection (highest in femoral lines)
