Central Venous catheterization (CVC), now a common procedure, has seve
ral major complications. We assessed their incidence in a prospective
study of 1303 cannulations done in the intensive care unit or operatin
g theatre. Chest radiographs were obtained to verify proper catheter p
lacement and to detect pneumothorax. Complications were arterial punct
ure in 68 (5.2%) patients, arrhythmias in 21 (1.6%), cardiopulmonary a
rrest in 1 (0.1%), and pneumothorax in 5 (0.5%). The tip of the CVC wa
s incorrectly located in 149 (11.2%). The chest radiograph was a valua
ble method for detecting complications of central venous catheterizati
on.