Endovascular Management of Inadvertent Subclavian Artery Catheterization during Subclavian Vein Cannulation

Purpose To retrospectively review a 9-year experience with endovascular management of inadvertent subclavian artery catheterization during subclavian vein cannulation. Materials and Methods From June 2000 through July 2009 (109 months), 13 patients underwent endovascular management of inadvertent subclavian artery catheterization. All catheters were still in situ, including one 7-F catheter, six 8-F catheters, and six large-bore 10–11-F catheters. Treatment was performed with an Angio-Seal device ( n = 6) or balloon catheters ( n = 7) and by additional stent-graft placement ( n = 4). Results Mean follow-up was 27.3 months (range, 0.4–78 months). The 30-day mortality rate was 7.7% and the late mortality rate was 46.1%. Primary technical success was achieved in nine patients (69.2%), in four with the use of a compliant balloon catheter and in the other five with an Angio-Seal device. Complications required additional stent-graft placement in four patients (30.8%), one because of stenosis after Angio-Seal device deployment and three as a result of insufficient closure of the puncture site by balloon tamponade. Stent-graft repair was successful in all four patients, for a primary assisted technical success rate of 100%. Conclusions Endovascular techniques offer a less invasive alternative to surgery. The present limited experience shows that the use of the Angio-Seal device is not without risks, whereas balloon tamponade is not always reliable in closing the puncture site. Stent-graft placement may be required in patients in whom balloon tamponade fails or in whom the use of the Angio-Seal device is contraindicated.