Introduction - Central venous catheterization (CVC) is a blind procedure and none of the different approaches are completely free of complications. Skilled hand and good knowledge of the procedure can minimize the complications.

Objective - To study the mechanical complication associated with central venous catheterization with special reference to the experience of the operator.

Type of study – Case study.

Material and method- This study was conducted in tertiary teaching hospital from July 2011 to September 2013. A total no of 80 patients who required central venous catheterization in medicine intensive care unit (ICU) were studied.

Results – Sex distribution - 62.5% were male and 37.5% were female. Internal jugular vein catheterization was most commonly done in 86.25% patients. Mechanical complication was observed in 65 patients (81.25%) with arterial puncture in 31 patients (38.75%), hematoma in 5 patients (6.25%), catheter block occurred in 25 patients (31.25%) and catheter pull occurred in 4 patients (5%).There were no episodes of pneumothorax or hemothorax.

Conclusion- Arterial puncture was the most common mechanical complication associated with CVC. The complication rate has an inverse relation with the experience of the operator. Use of heparin prevents catheter block.