What is a central line and what are the risks involved?
What Is a Central Line?
A central line — also called a central venous catheter (CVC) — is a long, thin tube inserted through the skin into a large vein, typically in the neck (jugular vein), chest (subclavian vein), or groin (femoral vein). Unlike a standard IV line placed in a peripheral vein in the arm or hand, a central line is positioned so that its tip rests in or near the large vessels close to the heart.
Central lines are used in hospital settings when a patient needs treatment or monitoring that a standard IV cannot provide — such as delivering multiple medications simultaneously, administering chemotherapy, providing total parenteral nutrition (TPN), or enabling continuous monitoring of central venous pressure.
When Are Central Lines Used?
Central venous catheters are placed in critically ill patients, those undergoing complex surgery, cancer patients receiving chemotherapy, patients requiring long-term IV medications, and others whose treatment demands reliable central venous access. They are common in intensive care units, oncology wards, and surgical settings.
What Are the Risks of Central Lines?
While central lines are an essential medical tool, they carry significant risks — particularly when improperly placed or inadequately maintained. Known complications include:
- Central Line-Associated Bloodstream Infection (CLABSI): One of the most serious and preventable complications. Bacteria can enter the bloodstream through the catheter, causing sepsis — a life-threatening systemic infection. CLABSIs are considered a largely preventable “never event” in hospital settings.
- Pneumothorax: A collapsed lung caused by accidental puncture of the lung during catheter insertion into neck or chest veins.
- Arterial puncture: Accidental puncture of an artery instead of a vein during placement, which can cause serious bleeding.
- Thrombosis: Blood clots can form around the catheter, increasing the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or pulmonary embolism.
- Air embolism: Air entering the bloodstream through the catheter, which can be fatal if it reaches the heart or lungs.
- Catheter malposition: Incorrect placement of the catheter tip can cause cardiac arrhythmias or other complications.
Central Line Complications and Medical Malpractice
Many central line complications are preventable through adherence to established safety protocols — including proper sterile technique during insertion, daily assessment of whether the line is still necessary, and strict maintenance practices to prevent infection. When a healthcare provider or hospital fails to follow these standards, and a patient develops a CLABSI, pneumothorax, or other serious complication as a result, that failure may constitute medical malpractice.
If you or a family member suffered a serious complication from a central line in a Pennsylvania hospital, an experienced medical malpractice attorney can review the medical records and help you understand whether the standard of care was met and whether a claim may be available.
