We registered 48 complications altogether (15.4% of 311), 21(6.7%) of which occurred immediately after implantation (up to 30 days postoperatively). These could be divided either into wound-healing disorders/pulmonary distress (4.5%, n = 14) or complications concerning the catheter systems (2.3%, n = 7). Long-term complications after 31 days were evident in 27 patients (8.7%), due either to infections (4.5%, n = 13) or catheter-associated problems (4.5%, n = 14). Catheter lesions occurred in nine cases (2.9% out of 311) at the point of entry into the musculus pectoralis, i.e., where the catheter had to change direction. Typically these were lengthways tears caused by the catheter. We observed one full breakage without dislocation, and two dislocated catheter fragments in the systemic circulation. We consider the change of direction to be responsible for wear on the silicon catheter. During implantation, extreme change of direction of the catheter should be avoided because this is where breakage happens. Catheter implantation by means of exposure of the vena basilica in the infraclavicular triangle is the method of choice.