ABSTRACT
The ability of the practitioner to care for the critically ill patient is closely associated with the types and functions of the many invasive and noninvasive devices that can be used. Because the use of central venous catheterization in the intensive care unit (ICU) permits more intensive monitoring and directed interventions, improvements have been achieved in hemodynamic and metabolic assessment, administration of total parental nutrition, chemotherapies, and the performance of hemodialysis. Despite the low incidence of complications associated with these invasive and noninvasive devices, if mortality and morbidity rates are to be reduced even further, the practitioner must be aware of the many complications that may accompany the use of each type of device. Knowledge of these complications will enable the practitioner to not only implement preventive measures but also rapidly recognize and treat complications that may arise. This chapter will discuss the preventive measures and the treatment of complications associated with the use of central venous lines, arterial lines, intracerebral pressure monitors, gastric tubes, and thoracostomy tubes.
