In this study we apply methods to determine the tendency for thrombus formation in different central venous catheters (CVC) models associated with fl ow rate variation. To calculate the thrombogenic potential, we proposed a new numerical model of the platelet lysis index (PLI) equation. To compare the results of PLI and fl ow rate in different models of catheters, numerical calculations were performed on three different tips of CVC. The results showed that the PLI increases as a power function of the fl ow rate independent of the type of CVC. This study evidenced that the higher the blood fl ow rate used in th e catheter, the greater the potential for thrombus formation. The PLI computed at the catheter outlet presented higher values when compared to the values computed at the vein outlet indicating that the blood fl ow through the CVC arterial lumen presents a proportionally larger thrombogenic potential when compared to the blood fl ow that leaves the vein towards the atrium. This fi nding may have consequences for clinical practice, since there is no specifi c fl ow value recommended in the catheter when the hemodialysis machine is turned on, and with this equation it was possible to demonstrate the thrombogenic potential that the fl ow rate can possibly offer.