SUBCLAVIAN CENTRAL VENOUS CATHETERIZATION Theory & Practice

Central venous lines are essential tools in the care of complicated patients, both on inpatient wards and in the emergency department and intensive care unit. They may provide access for blood draws, facilitate central administration of fluids and medications, and allow direct measurement of cardiac filling pressure. Unfortunately, central lines are associated with serious complications, including nosocomial bloodstream infections. Recent data suggest that of the more than 200,000 such infections each year,