Subclavian artery perforation complicating coronary angiography

Cardiac catheterisation and percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) are increasingly performed via the radial artery. Compared with the femoral approach there are several advantages. For example, patients can be mobilised more rapidly [1, 2]. Also complications such as access site bleeding occur less frequently and are often less severe compared with the femoral approach. However, although rare, vascular complications can occur when cardiac catheterisation is performed using the radial approach. The literature concerning this subject is scarce. Cardiologists should be aware of the possible complications when using the radial artery as the access site. We describe a patient in which a rare complication occurred. Also its subsequent diagnosis and management are described.