ABSTRACT
Central lines are important in the management of many surgical patients. They reduce
patient discomfort and interventions when long-term or multiple IV access is needed.
They are essential for hemodynamic monitoring, parenteral nutrition, and acute dialysis.
Two principal complications of their use relating to line care are thrombosis and infection.
The purpose of this chapter is to provide an understanding of and to prevent central line
thrombosis, colonization, and sepsis.
