Venous thrombosis due to central catheters: A phlebographic study of forty-one cases

Forty-one central catheters placed in 37 patients were subjected to a twofold phlebographic study - classic angiography of the main veins, and the injection of a radio-opaque fluid while withdrawing the catheter under fluoroscopy. Although the literature gives the impression that the incidence of venous thrombosis due to central catheters is high, we only found 3 positive results in our series of 37 patients (8%). A fibrin sleeve develops along the entire length of the catheter, and, in cases of thrombosis, the point at which the catheter penetrates the central venous system is always affected.SCOPUS: NotDefined.j