It is rare for children to have problems from central venous line placement surgery. But all anesthesia and surgery have risks. Some complications of central line placement may include:
There are other possible complications when your child has a central venous line:
The care team will talk with you about these risks and how to prevent them. They will treat problems if they happen.
The sooner you report problems, the better. Ask your health care team if you have questions or concerns.
Bacteria (germs) may cause a blood infection if your child has a line. This type of infection is known as a central line–associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI). Bacteria can live on:
Bacteria can enter the body different ways. They may come through a cut in the skin where the line enters the body or through the line itself.
This x-ray shows a central line on the left side of the picture. Extreme care must be taken to avoid getting bacteria in the catheter or around the spot where it enters the skin. In the photo, you can see that the central line goes under the skin and enters the heart. Any bacteria in the catheter can easily travel down the central line into the heart, leading to a CLABSI.
Your care team will show you how to take care of your child's central venous line. You will practice with the team while your child is in the hospital.
It is normal to be afraid when you start learning. You will get more comfortable doing this with time. Line care will become part of your routine.
Carefully follow all the steps you learn in training so that you do not spread germs.
Watch your child carefully for infection. If you delay getting treatment for your child, the infection can get worse. It can even be life-threatening. If you notice fever and signs of infection, call your care team right away. They can check your child for infection and provide treatment if needed.
Wash your hands by scrubbing with soap and water for 20 seconds. Turn off the faucet with a clean towel. This will stop germs from the faucet from getting onto your hands.
Watch your child carefully for signs of infection. Depending on your child’s age or other factors, they may not be able to tell you how they feel.
Look for symptoms and behavior changes. Contact your clinic right away if you notice changes. If you wait too long, germs will continue to grow, and the infection will be harder to treat.
If you see signs of fever, contact your care team right away. Fever in patients can be different depending on the illness.
A lower body temperature can also signal problems. If your child’s body temperature is lower than 96.8°F (36°C), this is life-threatening. Call your child’s care team at once.
Watch for these other signs of infection even if your child does not have a fever. Contact your care team right away if you notice:
Contact your care team if you notice any signs of blockage.
If your child has a central line, do not tug or pull on it. If your child has a port, do not put pressure on it. Keep the line secure.
The line may have moved if:
If you think that your child’s line has moved or looks longer, call your child’s care team or the Infusion Center.
You can use your “Central Line Urgent Care Kit” if the line is damaged or comes out.
If you see a crack, a hole, or a cut in the line:
If your child has a tunneled central line that comes out:
Blood clots stop blood flow to a part of the body. The symptoms of a blood clot can vary, depending on where the clot is.
Contact your child’s care team or the Infusion Center if you notice:
Learn more about blood clot causes and treatment.
Learn more about central venous catheters and related topics at together.stjude.org.
—
Reviewed: August 2023
Your child may need a procedure to place a PICC line, also called a peripherally inserted central catheter. A PICC line allows medicines, nutrition, blood products, and fluids to be given into a large vein. Learn about PICC lines and how to care for them.
A central line, also known as a central venous catheter, is a thin tube placed into a large vein that leads to the heart. Learn more about central lines.
A tunneled central line is a central venous catheter that is tunneled under the skin. A central line allows medicines, nutrition, blood products, and fluids to be given into a large vein.