Template:CVC main points

Central venous catheters(CVCs) are often required to establish venous access in critically ill patients in order to administer rapid fluid resuscitation, blood products, and vasopressors. The sites of insertion fall into three locations: Internal jugular (IJ), subclavian, and femoral. The major complications of concern include: catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBI), DVT, and mechanical complications (e.g. pneumothorax and arterial puncture).

The 3SITES Trial study, a multicenter randomized trial, investigated the complications of the three anatomic sites for CVC insertion in relation to blood stream infections or DVTs. Although subclavian lines appear to have a lower infection rate, there is greater incidence of mechanical complications.