Fatal cardiac tamponade and other mechanical complications of central venous catheters.

A fatal cardiac tamponade caused by an intact polyethylene central venous catheter perforating the wall of the right ventricle is reported. A retrospective review of 105 central venous catheters used in an intensive care unit revealed a high incidence of catheter malposition and a 20 per cent mechanical complication rate. The possible causes of these malpositions and complications are discussed. Guidelines for the safer use of central venous catheters are presented.