Right subclavian vein catheterism complication due to a 'foreign body': a case report

Abstract

IntroductionCentral venous access devices are widely used in hospital practice. Complications associated with their use are well described and reviewed. In this paper, we report a former complication that in turn created a new complication during a standardized procedure.Case presentationWe report the case of an 81-year-old Caucasian woman requiring total parenteral nutrition due to a high-debt enterocutaneous fistula. In a previous right subclavian catheterization a fragmentation of the tip of the catheter, probably not recognized at the time, provoked an extrinsic compression of the vessel.ConclusionFragmentation of a central venous catheter is a possible complication of catheterization and can be missed. Control of a catheter is imperative after its removal, even if not always practiced.

Massive hemothorax immediately after removal of central venous catheter -A case report-

“…Complications of central venous catheterization involve immediate and late complications. The former is mainly associated with mechanical complications and the latter results from infection of the catheter [2]. …”

“…Although the cannulation of the subclavian vein by the infraclavicular approach has advantages including relatively easy cannulation, comfort for patients and lower rate of infection, it is more frequently associated with mechanical complications such as pneumothorax, hemothorax and cardiac tamponade than other methods for access to central veins [1], which are mainly considered immediate complications [2]. However, we experienced a patient who suffered from hemothorax 72 hours following the procedure.…”