Injury to the superior vena cava during hemodialysis: pitfalls associated with multi-lumen catheters

We report a case of perforation of the superior vena cava caused by a multi-lumen central venous catheter. Diagnosis was delayed because extra-corporeal blood flow was not interrupted. Clinicians should be aware of potential vascular complications associated with multi-lumen catheters even in cases in which hemodialysis continues with no complications.