Thromboembolic complications of central venous catheterization of the arm and neck veins

For more than 30 years central venous catheterization has provided an important means of long-term vascular access and circulatory monitoring. Thrombosis of central veins is one of the serious complications of this procedure, The reported incidence of thrombosis varies and it is often underestimated clinicaIly due to the pau city of signs and symptoms. Symptomatic subelavian vein thrombosis is estimated to occur in up to 15% of patients with indwelling venous access devices.