Major thrombotic and nonthrombotic complications. Loss of patency.

Patency of the vascular access device and the vein that houses the device is critical for the successful delivery of infusion therapy. Loss of catheter patency comes from decisions made during device insertion and from methods used for infusion, flushing, dressing, and removal. Loss of vein patency comes from insertion techniques, patient activity, anatomic and physiologic reasons, and the primary disease or underlying chronic diseases. This review provides the latest information on causes, reported incidences, management, and prevention of catheter and vein patency problems frequently encountered in all clinical settings.