Thrombosis after central venous cannulation.

A prospective investigation was undertaken to assess the incidence of thrombosis after central venous cannulation. There were 63 patients. The incidence of thrombus formation in the last 20 of our patients was 90%. In 13% of the 63 patients there were serious sequelae to thrombosis--pulmonary embolism, major vein occlusion and septicaemia. Factors responsible are discussed. Some are preventable whilst others need further research.