Internal balloon tamponade : a non-surgical method for removal of accidentally placed sheaths from the subclavian artery

One of the possible complications of subclavian vein puncture is accidental puncture of the subclavian artery. If this is not noted immediately after the puncture, insertion of a large bore sheath in the subclavian artery is likely to follow. We describe our experience with a new method that enables successful and safe removal of such sheaths without notable blood loss, in three patients. (C) 1993 Wiley-Liss, Inc.