[Management of catheter-related upper extremity deep vein thrombosis].

Central venous catheters (CVCs) are important tools in the care of patients with acute or chronic diseases, but catheter-related thrombosis and thrombotic occlusions are frequent complications, especially if CVCs are implanted for long-term use. In this review we focus on the management of these complications. Risk factors for catheter-related thrombosis include dislocation of the catheter tip, the presence of malignant disease and hypercoagulability. Catheter-related thrombosis is associated with catheter infection, pulmonary embolism and post-thrombotic syndrome. Catheter-related thromboses which most frequently involve the subclavian vein are usually diagnosed by duplex ultrasound examination and treated with anticoagulation therapy for a minimum of three months or longer if the catheter is left in place. Prevention of catheter-related thrombotic complications includes proper positioning of the CVC with the catheter tip lying in the proximal superior vena cava and regular flushing of the catheter with saline solution or unfractionated heparin. The use of anticoagulants for primary prevention is currently not recommended.