FLOW DYNAMICS

There are three types of blood flow relevant to central venous catheter insertion:



Frictionless flow describes fluid that flows with the same velocity in every area.

Laminar flow occurs when the flow is slowest near the vessel wall (where there is more friction) and fastest in the center of the blood vessel (where there is less friction).

Turbulent flow describes a situation in which blood flows in all directions. This occurs when the vein wall is injured or undertakes a sharp turn. It also occurs in situations of fluid resuscitation or vessel obstruction, perhaps by a thrombus or catheter.