Femoral venous catheterization was associated with increased risk for infection and thrombosis in critically ill patients.

P a t i e n t s 293 patients who were receiving their first central venous catheterization during the index ICU stay. Exclusion criteria included a moribund state, emergency catheterization, coagulopathy, severe hypoxemia, skin lesions or recent surgery at either site, and phlebitis. Catheterization was attempted in 289 patients (mean age 61 y, 66% men). 99%, 92%, and 76% of patients were evaluated for mechanical, infectious, and thrombotic complications, respectively.