• Sophie Lindgren, Pelle Gustafson, and Fredrik Hammarskjöld.
• Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, Gothenburg University, Gothenburg, Sweden.
• Acta Anaesthesiol Scand. 2019 Nov 1; 63 (10): 1378-1383.

IntroductionInsertion and use of central venous access devices (CVADs) can be associated with serious adverse events. The incidence is generally low but considering the vast use of CVADs the consequences can, from a patient safety and health economics perspective, be severe. No exact knowledge exists of number of catheters or complications in Sweden, as there is currently no comprehensive registry. The aim was to analyse injuries reported to the Swedish National Patient Insurance Company (Löf) within 7 days after insertion or removal of a CVAD.MethodsA retrospective analysis of all injuries filed in the period 2009-2017 was performed, evaluating patient data, type of catheter, insertion technique and type of injury. If the injury was deemed avoidable by Löf, degree of disability and mortality was registered.ResultsA total of 87 claims of injuries were found of which 36 (41%) were assessed as avoidable. The most common injuries were: bleeding (18%), early infection (17%), pneumothorax (17%) and early thrombosis (15%). No patients died of their injuries, but 17 of 36 suffered permanent disability of varying degrees. Ultrasound-guided insertion was used in 19% of the cases.ConclusionIn Sweden, few injuries related to CVAD use are reported to Löf. About 40% of filed claims were categorized as having an avoidable injury and therefore eligible for compensation. About half of the compensated patients suffered a permanent disability. The results indicate underreporting of CVC-related injuries in Sweden during the studied time-period.© 2019 The Acta Anaesthesiologica Scandinavica Foundation. Published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd.

14 keywords...

hide…