Clinical experience with the multiple lumen central venous catheter.

One hundred four multiple lumen central venous catheters (MLC) were evaluated in 74 seriously ill patients. Eighty percent of the catheters were placed in an intensive care unit. Each MLC served as access for a mean of 4.5 different functions, including infusions, central venous monitoring and phlebotomy. Complications occurred with 16 MLC (15.4%), including two aberrant placements, 10 mechanical problems, and four septic catheters (3.8%). Simultaneous administration of TPN and other infusions through MLC did not affect the rate of catheter sepsis. MLC are well tolerated and cost effective. They increase the comfort of patients who require complex venous access or who lack peripheral veins. They allow safe concurrent administration of TPN, medications, and central venous monitoring.