Subclavian Artery Injury Following Central Venous Catheter Placement

Mechanical complications following central venous catheterization are not uncommon. We discuss a case of iatrogenic intra-arterial central venous catheter placement requiring neck exploration in a 93-year-old woman. The catheter was inadvertently passed through the jugular vein and into the right subclavian artery by a junior surgical resident. Adequate technique and supervision, ultrasound guidance, and immediate diagnostic workup in the event of suspected arterial injury are factors necessary for physicians to minimize complications and provide safe medical treatment.