Arterial trauma due to central venous catheter insertion: an analysis of incidents reported to the National Reporting and Learning System for England and Wales 2013–2023

Whilst some incidents involved potential risk factors (e.g. operator inexperience, landmark technique, paediatric lines and emergent insertion) arterial trauma nevertheless occurs when experienced operators undertake seemingly routine procedures. Our findings complement previous research on serious harm from this complication and support the need for robust and objective pre-dilatation checks. It is essential that these findings inform the perception, discussion and mitigation of risk associated with central venous catheter insertion to prevent avoidable patient harm.