Where to place a central venous catheter is a decision driven mainly by individual experience and preference. The limited evidence available has not established any site as superior; the subclavian position has been reported as being less infection-prone, but more likely to cause pneumothorax, compared to other sites. A large French randomized trial adds significantly to the evidence base.

All central venous catheters should be considered for removal every day, and removed as soon as feasible. Most patients who are not receiving vasopressor infusions do not require a central venous catheter.

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