What is a potential complication of long-term use of central venous catheters (CVCs)?

Long-term use of central venous catheters (CVCs) can lead to major vessel stenosis, which is a narrowing of the blood vessels. This complication arises due to the presence of a foreign object within the vessel, which can irritate the vessel wall, leading to inflammation and, subsequently, fibrosis or scarring. Over time, this scarring can cause the lumen of the vein to narrow significantly, potentially obstructing blood flow and leading to complications such as thrombosis or the need for additional vascular access procedures.

In contrast, immediate patient discomfort may be associated with the insertion of a CVC but is not a long-term complication. Frequent successful placements refer to the ease of using CVCs for multiple access points, which is an intended benefit of these devices. Finally, reduced treatment durations do not align with the reality of CVC use, as long-term CVCs are typically implemented for chronic conditions that require extended therapy rather than shorter treatment courses.