CARDIAC-TAMPONADE FROM CENTRAL VENOUS CATHETERS

34 cases of cardiac tamponade resulting from the use of central venous catheters, 78% of them fatal, are reviewed. In many of them, the causes, symptoms, clinical courses, and pathologic findings were similar. All investigators agree that a few simple precautions can prevent perforation by catheters or greatly reduce its incidence. Their suggestions, as well as measures that they found successful in treating tamponade are presented. It is stated that many of the reported deaths could have been avoided, had the perforations and incipient tamponades been diagnosed more promptly.