Malposition of Central Venous Catheters in Hospitalized Patients: Prevalence and Associated Factors

Background and Aim: Correct placement of central venous catheters (CVC) is crucial for therapeutic interventions and patient monitoring in hospitalized patients. Malposition of the catheter tip can lead to serious mechanical complications, including arrhythmias, vascular injury, hematoma, and cardiac tamponade. Therefore, determining the prevalence of malposition and its associated factors is essential. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of CVC malposition and its relationship with patient age, sex, and catheter type. Materials and Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted on ۱۰۳ hospitalized patients referred to the radiology department of Shahid Modarres Hospital, Tehran, between ۲۰۱۷ and ۲۰۱۸. Convenience sampling was used, and data were collected using a structured checklist. Catheter tip position and placement outcome were confirmed radiographically. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, version ۲۶, using chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests; P<۰.۰۵ was considered statistically significant. Results: Among the ۱۰۳ patients, ۵۱ cases (۴۹.۵%) were identified as catheter malposition. Catheter tip locations were distributed as follows: ۴۴% in the right atrium, ۵۴% in the superior vena cava (SVC), ۱.۹% in the right ventricle, and ۱% in the inferior vena cava. No statistically significant associations were found between malposition and age, sex, or catheter type (P>۰.۰۵). No serious adverse events related to catheter placement were reported. Conclusion: The high prevalence of CVC malposition highlights the need for careful radiographic confirmation and operator training to minimize complications. Further prospective multicenter studies with larger sample sizes are recommended to improve placement accuracy

کلیدواژه ها:

Central venous catheter ، Malposition ، Catheter tip ، Radiology ، Mechanical complications