<unk><unk>  catheters<unk> s) are often required to establish<unk>  access in critically ill patients in order to administer rapid fluid resuscitation, blood products, and vasopressors.  The sites of insertion fall into three locations: Internal jugular (IJ), subclavian, and femoral.  The major complications of concern include: catheter-related bloodstream infections (CRBI), DVT, and mechanical complications (e.g. pneumothorax and arterial puncture).
The 3SITES Trial study, a multicenter randomized trial, investigated the complications of the three anatomic sites for<unk>  insertion in relation to blood stream infections or DVTs. Although subclavian lines appear to have a lower infection rate, there is greater incidence of mechanical complications.
Central venous catheterization
External jugular vein cannulation
Intraosseous access
Peripheral IV placement
Pulmonary artery catheter
Ultrasound-assisted peripheral line placement
Arterial line
IV fluid resuscitation