Clinical Review State of the Art Review

Device associated complications in the intensive care unit

Roxana Hixson, Kristin Schwab Jensen, Kathryn H Melamed, et al

BMJ 2024; 386 doi: https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2023-077318 (Published 13 August 2024)Cite this as: BMJ 2024;386:e077318

Abstract

Invasive devices are routinely used in the care of critically ill patients. Although they are often essential components of patient care, devices such as intravascular catheters, endotracheal tubes, and ventilators are a common source of complications in the intensive care unit. Critical care practitioners who use these devices need to use strategies for risk reduction and understand approaches to management when adverse events occur. This review discusses the identification, prevention, and management of complications of vascular, airway, and mechanical support devices commonly used in the intensive care unit.